UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


OLLY  PLAYS 
---  HOLIDAYS 


by  6aro\yn)fe\ls 


eaesas 


Jolly  Plays  for  Holidays 


Jolly  Plays  for  Holidays 

A  Collection  of  Christmas 
Entertainments 


By 
CAROLYN   WELLS 


BOSTON 

WALTER  H.  BAKER  COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 


Author's  Note 

The  little  plays  that  make  up  this  volume  were  all,  save 
one,  published  originally  in  The  Ladies'  Home  Journal 
of  Philadelphia.  «'  A  Substitute  for  Santa  Claus "  first 
appeared  in  The  Associated  Sunday  Magazines.  The 
author  wishes  to  thank  the  publishers  of  these  periodicals 
for  their  courtesy  and  cooperation  in  the  present  volume. 


Copyright,  1903,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 
Copyright,  1909,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 
Copyright,  191 1,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 
Copyright,  1912,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 
Copyright,  1913,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 
Copyright,  1904,  by  Associated  Sunday  Magazines. 
Copyright,  1914,  by  Carolyn  Wells. 


n) 


•I 


C  e* 


CONTENTS 


■ 


The  Greatest  Gift 

Christmas  Gifts  of  All  Nations 

The  Greatest  Day  in  the  Year 

Is  Santa  Claus  a  Fraud 

A  Substitute  for  Santa  Claus 

The  Day  Before  Christmas     . 


7 

3i 

53 

77 

in 

127 


5 


^ 


V 


Music 

The  music  called  for  by  these  plays  is  so  familiar  and 
so  apt  to  be  found  in  every  household  that  no  difficulty 
should  be  had  in  securing  it.  The  airs  mentioned  will 
live  in  the  memory  of  most  people,  and  if  mislaid  in  that 
not  always  dependable  receptacle,  will  doubtless  be  dis- 
coverable in  the  pile  of  song  books  and  sheet  music  that 
stands  on  the  end  of  the  piano.  If  not  there,  by  some 
miracle,  the  nearest  music  dealer  should  be  able  to  supply 
at  small  cost  or  trouble.  In  the  almost  unimaginable 
case  of  exile  and  destitution  where  all  these  chances  fail, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  substitute  other  airs  of  similar 
rhythm.  The  publishers  of  this  book  cannot  supply  any 
of  the  required  music  for  we  stock  and  sell  only  play 
books  or  books  relating  to  the  stage  and  public  platform. 
For  the  convenience  of  our  friends  we  list  herewith  the 
names  and  addresses  of  reputable  music  dealers  in  central 
locations: 


Oliver  Ditson  Company 
179  Tremont  Street, 
Boston,  Mass. 

Theodore  Presser  Company 
1 7 12  Chestnut  Street, 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 


Charles  H.  Ditson  &  Co. 
New  York  City, 

New  York. 

1 

Lyon  &  Healy,  Inc. 

Chicago, 

Illinois. 


1f*»i< 


The  Greatest  Gift 


A  Christmas  Play 


Copyright,  1913,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 


The  Greatest  Gift 


CHARACTERS 


The  Goddess  Bountiful  wears  a  beautiful  costume  of  thin 
white  material,  elaborately  trimmed  with  pearls,  and  carries  a 
green  palm  branch  in  her  hand.  The  draperies  hang  from  her 
shoulders  and  there  are  full  "  angel  sleeves."  She  wears  a 
crown  and  holds  a  sparkling  scepter. 

Peace  and  Plenty,  her  attendants,  are  dressed  in  classic 
robes  of  white  and  gold,  Peace  holding  a  white  dove,  and 
Plenty  a  basket  of  fruit.  If  possible  let  each  of  these  at- 
tendants hold  up  a  huge  Horn  of  Plenty,  almost  as  tall  as  her- 
self, from  which  fruit  and  flowers  are  spilling  out ;  or  they  may 
hold  banners. 

Queen  Isabella  wears  a  regal  costume  with  court  train  and 
crown,  which  may  be  copied  from  pictures  of  her  or  of  one  of 
her  contemporaries.     She  carries  an  open  casket  of  jewels. 

Dame  Fashion  is  clad  in  a  most  beautiful  and  fashionable 
costume — not  extreme,  but  the  highest  type  of  good  taste.  She 
has  two  attendants  who  carry  beautiful  gowns  and  hats,  or,  if 
preferred,  she  may  herself  carry  a  light  dainty  gown  and  a 
handsome  hat. 

Florence  Nightingale  wears  the  white  garb  of  a  hospital 
nurse.  She  carries  a  roll  of  bandages  or  any  small  emblem  of 
her  office. 

Betsy  Ross  wears  a  plain  house  dress  with  cap  and  apron, 
and  carries  an  American  flag  without  a  pole. 

Dame  Fortune  wears  a  gorgeous  costume  of  white  draperies 
trimmed  with  gold  fringe  or  gold  lace.     She  carries  a  large 

9 


io  CHARACTERS 

purse  or  bag  filled  with  gold  coins  represented  by  brass  sequins 
or  disks  cut  from  gilt  cardboard.  She  must  have  plenty  of 
these  to  scatter  with  lavish  hand.  She  carries  a  gold  wand 
and  wears  a  crown  of  golden  rays  and  many  jewels. 

Night  is  a  dark- haired  girl  dressed  in  robes  of  thin  black 
material  dotted  with  silver  stars.  She  wears  a  long  floating 
veil  of  black  tulle,  and  a  large  star  shines  in  her  hair.  She 
carries  a  bunch  of  scarlet  poppies. 

Moonlight,  a  young  girl  with  fair  hair,  dressed  in  a  tissue 
robe  of  silvery  gray.  If  convenient, cloth  of  silver  may  be  used 
with  good  effect.  j4  crescent  moon  is  in  her  hair  and  she  carries 
a  long  silver  wand  with  a  full  moon  on  its  tip. 

Christmas  is  a  beautiful,  rosy-cheeked  girl,  wearing  an 
elaborate  costume  of  red  tarlatan,  with  red  stockings  and 
slippers.  Her  flying  hair  is  wreathed  with  poinsettias  and  her 
frock  is  decorated  with  a  few  sprays  of  holly  or  evergreen  and 
hung  here  and  there  with  tiny  bells.  She  carries  a  long  golden 
trumpet  and  an  enormous  gilt  basket  of  gifts. 

Columbus  wears  an  Italian  costume  of  the  Fifteenth  Cen- 
tury, which  may  be  copied  from  pictures  of  the  Columbus  monu- 
ment.     He  carries  a  small  globe. 

George  Washington  wears  a  Colonial  costume,  copied 
from  his  portrait.  He  carries  an  American  eagle,  or  a  picture 
of  one. 

A  Sailor  wears  any  kind  of  a  sailor  suit  or  navy  uniform, 
and  he  carries  a  toy  steamship. 

A  College  Youth  wears  a  cap  and  gown  and  carries  a 
diploma. 

A  Newsboy  is  dressed  in  ragged  clothes,  with  tumbled  hair, 
and  a  battered  cap  on  the  back  of  his  head. 

A  Cook.  His  costume  is  entirely  of  white,  with  a  cap  such  as 
is  often  seen  in  pictures  of  French  bakers. 

Labor  is  dressed  as  a  workingman  and  carries  a  pickaxe  or 
other  implement. 


CHARACTERS  u 

Cupid.  This  part  should  be  taken  by  as  small  a  child  as  can  be 
found  who  can  sing  the  part  properly.  The  costume  is  a  short 
white  dress  with  low  neck  and  short  sleeves,  a  blue  sash  and 
white  socks  and  slippers  and  a  pair  of  small  wings.  He  carries 
a  gilt  bow  and  arrow,  and  wears  a  silken  bandage  over  his 
eyes,  but  peeps  out  from  it. 

Two  Heralds,  in  fanciful  costume. 


The  Greatest  Gift 


SCENE.— The   court   room   of  the  Palace  of  Gifts.     The 

background  is  hung  with  red  cheese-cloth  festooned  with 
ropes  of  evergreens,  and  wreaths  of  holly  tied  with  red 
ribbons.  Tall  columns  may  appear  at  intervals  wound 
spirally  with  evergreen  rope.  In  the  center  is  a  throne  on 
a  raised  platform  elaborately  decorated  with  large  arti- 
ficial blossoms  of  poinsettias.  These  may  be  scattered  with 
the  spun-glass  frosting  used  for  Christmas  trees,  and  the 
whole  stage  may  be  decorated  in  any  Christmas  effects  of 
red  and  green.  The  throne  should  be  approached  by  two 
or  three  steps,  and  on  these  the  gifts  brought  in  by  the 
characters  may  be  piled ;  or  tables  may  be  arranged  on 
each  side  of  the  throne  to  receive  the  gifts.  Seats  may  be 
placed  for  the  use  of  the  characters,  and  some  if  them  may 
stand  in  picturesque  attitudes  on  each  side  of  the  throne. 

The  Goddess  Bountiful  is  seated  on  the  throne.  On  each 
side  stands  one  of  her  two  attendants,  Peace  and  Plenty. 
There  are  also  two  Heralds  whose  duty  it  is  to  usher  in 
the  various  characters. 

The  costumes  of  the  characters  are  described  elsewhere.  The 
more  beautiful  and  elaborate  these  are  the  more  effective 
the  presentation  will  be. 

The  entrance  of  the  characters  is  preluded  by  a  few  strains 
of  music.      Each  enters  ushered  in  by  the  Heralds,  and, 

*3 


i4      JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

marching  to  the  throne,  makes  a  deep  obeisance  to  the 
Goddess  Bountiful  and  her  attendants,  who  return  it 
with  formality.  Then  follows  the  song  or  speech,  and 
then  each  character  takes  his  appointed  place,  marching  to 
further  strains  of  the  music  designated.  As  many  instru- 
ments as  possible  should  be  used  to  give  the  music  full  ef- 
fect. In  many  instances  the  musical  selections  may  be  left 
to  the  discretion  of  the  manager. 
If  desired  to  introduce  more  performers  such  characters  as 
Queen  Isabella  and  Dame  Fashion  may  be  attended  by 
pages  or  by  little  girls.  It  is  important  to  select  perform- 
ers of  dramatic  ability  for  such  characters  as  Florence 
Nightingale  and  the  Newsboy,  for  the  more  dramatic 
action  that  can  be  introduced  the  better  will  be  the  piece. 
If  the  performance  is  found  to  be  too  long  any  characters 
may  be  omitted  without  detriment  to  the  whole. 

( The  curtain  rises  to  some  selection  of  Christmas  music,  per- 
haps from  "  The  Messiah"  or  any  noble  number.  The 
Goddess  Bountiful,  her  two  attendants  and  the  two  Her- 
alds are  on  the  stagt.  As  the  music  ceases  the  Goddess 
Bountiful  rises,  bows  to  the  audience,  and  then  sings  the 
opening  song.) 

Opening  solo  by  Goddess  Bountiful  {dir,  "  The  Belle  of 
the  Mohawk  Vale"). 

Oh,  fair  is  the  dawn  of  the  blessed  Christmas  Day, 

And  sweet  are  the  carols  we  sing ; 
And  merry  the  greetings  our  happy  comrades  say, 

And  merry  the  bells  as  they  ring. 
But  sweeter,  dearer,  yes,  dearer  far  above, 

A  pleasure  without  alloy, 
Is  the  giving,  giving  gifts  to  those  we  love, 

With  hearts  full  of  peace  and  joy. 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  15 

( The  three  sing  in  unison.} 
Oh,  sweeter,  dearer,  yes,  dearer  far  above, 

A  pleasure  without  alloy, 
Is  the  giving,  giving  gifts  to  those  we  love, 

With  hearts  full  of  peace  and  joy. 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Aye,  our  hearts  never  know  a  joy  more  great 
Than  that  which  loving  giving  can  create; 
A  joy  that  can  our  souls  to  Heaven  uplift 
Crowns  us  when  we  bestow  a  worthy  gift. 
Hark  ye,  my  maidens  !    Ponder,  tell  me  true  : 
What  is  the  greatest  gift  e'er  given,  think  you  ? 

Peace. 

Dear  Goddess  Bountiful,  we  may  not  say, 
So  long  hath  this  old  earth  rolled  on  its  way. 

Plenty. 

So  many  blessings  hath  this  earth  possessed 
It  would  be  hard  indeed  to  choose  the  best. 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

All  time  hath  seen  great  givers;  aye,  but  still 
These  gifts  we  may  consider  if  we  will. 
What  ho  !   my  Heralds  ! 

Heralds  (appearing). 

Goddess,  we  have  heard  ! 

Fair  Goddess  Bountiful,  we  wait  thy  word. 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

'Tis  this  :   I  hereby  bid  unto  my  court 
Givers  whom  men  account  of  good  report. 
It  pleasures  me  to  talk  with  them  to-day. 
Summon  them,  Heralds  ! 

Heralds  (bowing  low).     Goddess,  we  obey  ! 


16       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

{Goddess  Bountiful  seats  herself  on  her  throne.  The  orches- 
tra plays  "  Hail  Columbia"  and,  after  a  few  strains, 
Columbus  enters.} 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Greetings,  Good  Sir ! 

Columbus. 

Fair  Goddess,  I  greet  thee. 

I  am  Columbus.    List,  I  beg,  to  me. 

Long  years  ago  I  braved  th'  uncharted  main  ; 

My  quest  adventurous  was  not  in  vain. 

I  found  new  land,  my  banner  I  unfurled  j 

A  glorious  continent  I  gave  the  world  ! 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

A  precious  boon  indeed !    Right  strong  thy  claim 
To  the  best  gift  of  all !     Undying  fame 
Surrounds  thy  noble  deed.    Yet,  fairly,  we 
Must  list  to  other  claimants.    We  shall  see. 

(Columbus  puts  his  globe  in  place  and  then  takes  his  seat 
as  the  orchestra  finishes  "Hail  Columbia") 

(A  Spanish  air,  or  the  "  Coronation  March,"  from  "  The 
Prophet,"  is  begun,  and  the  Heralds  usher  in  Queen 
Isabella,  of  Spain.  The  Goddess  Bountiful  rises  and 
bows  and  Queen  Isabella  returns  a  stately  curtsy.) 

Solo  by  Queen  Isabella  (Air,  "My  Queen  "). 
Goddess  fair,  I  come  here  to  greet  thee ; 

I  am  the  Queen  of  far-off  Spain. 
With  deep  joy  I  am  here  to  meet  thee, 

Telling  this  tale  of  my  ancient  reign. 
When  brave  Columbus  made  petition 

To  sail  away  o'er  the  unknown  main, 
I  gave  my  jewels  to  aid  his  mission, 

I,  Isabella,  the  Queen  of  Spain. 

I,  Isabella,  the  Queen — the  Queen  of  Spain. 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  17 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Fair  Queen,  thy  heart,  was  big,  thy  deed  was 

grand  ! 
By  thy  great  gift  this  world  achieved  a  land 
Of  wide  extent,  of  glory,  power  and  might; 
To  fame,  dear  Queen,  thou  hast  indeed  a  right. 

(Jghteen  Isabella  lays  her  jewels  upon  the  table  and  takes 
her  seat  while  the  orchestra  continues  to  play  "  La 
Paloma"  or  some  other  Spanish  air.) 

[The  orchestra  strikes  up  the  music  of"  America"  Enter 
George  Washington^) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Whom  have  we  here  ?     George  Washington  ? 

George  Washington.     'Tis  he. 

Dear  Goddess  Bountiful,  I  bow  to  thee. 
My  claim,  I  fear,  is  small;  yet  glad  I  gave 
All  of  my  powers  my  country's  life  to  save. 
Though  long  the  tyrant's  thralldom  we  endured 
At  last  my  country's  freedom  I  procured. 
Our  country's  freedom  !    Oh,  the  blessed  word  ! 
Symboled  by  this,  our  proud  and  glorious  bird  ! 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

George  Washington,  thou'rt  truly  good  and  great ; 
Honored  by  all,  in  home  and  school  and  state  ! 

{George  Washington  places  the  eagle  on  the  table  and  takes 
his  place,  while  the  music  of '"  America  "  is  continued.) 

(Next  comes  the  music  of  the  "  Star-Spangled  Banner," 
and  Betsy  Ross  enters.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Good-morrow,  Madam,  I  know  not  thy  name  ; 
Tell  me,  art  thou  some  celebrated  dame  ? 


18       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Betsy  Ross. 

Nay,  nay,  dear  Goddess  Bountiful,  I  come 

But  from  a  simple  and  a  lowly  home. 

And  yet,  during  the  time  that  I  did  live, 

One  chance  I  had  a  noble  gift  to  give. 

And  in  my  heart  triumphant  memories  wake, 

To  think  that  I  my  country's  flag  should  make. 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Dear  Betsy  Ross,  your  name  shall  honored  be, 
While  the  Red,  White  and  Blue  floats  o'er  the 

free. 
Proudly  o'er  rolling  deep  and  rocky  crag 
Old  Glory  waves — and  you — you  sewed  the  flag. 

[Betsy  Ross  lays  the  flag  reverently  on  the  table  while  the 
strains  of  the  "  Star-Spangled  Banner"  or  of  Sousa's 
"  Stars  and  Stripes  "  continue,  and  takes  her  place 
among  the  others.} 

[Then  to  the  music  of '  " A  Life  on  the  Ocean  Wave"  a 
Sailor  comes  bounding  in.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

What  ho  !    A  sailor  boy  !  a  real  Jack  Tar  ! 
Enter,  good  sir,  here  such  right  welcome  are. 
Thou  bringest — what  ? 

Sailor. 

Goddess,  I  offer  thee 

A  wondrous  gift,  the  freedom  of  the  sea! 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Aye,  'tis  a  gift  surpassing  rich  and  fair. 
Travel  and  navigation,  cargoes  rare, 
Pleasure  and  profit  both.    Aye,  truly  we 
Owe  much  to  those  who  offer  us  the  sea. 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  19 

Solo  by  the  Sailor  {Air,  w  Nancy  Lee  "). 
I  am  a  jolly  sailor  bold  and  free, 

Yeo  ho,  lads  ho;  yeo  ho,  yeo  ho  ! 
I  give  you  every  craft  that  sails  the  sea, 

Yeo  ho,  lads  ho,  yeo  ho  ! 
I  give  you  means  of  traffic  to  each  foreign  land, 
To  every  arctic  coast  and  every  tropic  sand  ; 
Your  splendid  fleets  of  noble  ships  by  me  are 
manned, 
Yeo  ho,  lads  ho,  yeo  ho  ! 
The  countries  all  join  hands  across  the  sea 
Quite  easily, 
Because  of  me. 
I  give  the  freedom  of  the  trackless  sea, 
The  sea,  the  sea,  the  glorious  sea ! 

{The  Sailor  takes  bis  seat  to  the  music  of  any  nautical  air, ,) 

{An  English  bugle  call  is  heard,  or  a  feiv  notes  of"  Rule 
Britannia,"  or  any  English  martial  air.  Enter  Flor- 
ence  Nightingale.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Dear  Florence  Nightingale,  we  welcome  thee  j 
Thy  blessed  deeds  have  blessed  memory. 
Hospital  angel,  thy  kind  hand  and  heart 
Soothed  wounded  soldiers  with  a  gentle  art. 
A  glorious  gift,  indeed,  after  the  strife, 
To  nurse  the  suffering  hero  back  to  life  ! 

Solo  by  Florence  Nightingale  {Air,  "Old  Black  Joe  "). 
Down  in  the  wards  where  wounded  soldiers  lie, 
Where  all  alone  they  suffer  and  they  die, 
There  I  went  oft  to  comfort  and  to  aid, 
I  nursed  and  soothed  the  wounded,  with  the 
dying  prayed 


20       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

I'm  coming,  I'm  coming, 
I  hear  their  voices  low  ; 
(iSV;i?  seems  to  listen  to  the  call  of  the  soldiers.} 
A  fairer  gift  than  soothing  pain 
I  do  not  know. 

(Repeat  refrain.) 

(Florence  Nightingale  lays  her  gift  on  the  table  and  goes  to 
her  place,  while  the  music  softly  repeats  the  melody  of 
the  song  she  has  just  sung.) 

(To  the  music  of  any  well-known  college  glee  a  College 
Touth  rushes  in  waving  a  pennant  and  giving  his 
class  yell.  He  bows  roguishly  to  Goddess  Bountiful, 
and  even  dares  to  kiss  her  on  the  cheek,  being  full  of 
pranks.) 

Solo  by  College  Youth  (Air,  "  In  Days  of  Old,   When 
Knights  Were  Bold"). 

In  college  days 
Of  jolly  ways, 
Our  thoughts  to  knowledge  turn. 
We  study  hard 
Of  sage  or  bard, 
And  this  is  what  we  learn  — 
And  this  is  what  we  learn  : 
We  learn  to  read  and  speak 
In  Latin  and  in  Greek, 
O'er  modern  lore  we  deeply  pore, 

And  history  antique. 
And  education  is  the  gift 

We  give  to  all  the  world  ; 
See  through  the  land  on  every  hand 
Our  banners  fair, 
Our  banners  fair, 
Our  banners  fair, 
Our  banners  fair  unfurled. 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  21 

(Waving  his  pennant  the  College  Youth  lays  that  and  his 
diploma  on  the  table,  and  takes  his  seat  to  the  music 
of  another  college  song.) 

(To  a  strain  of  modern  dance  music  Dame  Fashion  walks  in.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Stay,  lovely  lady ;  truly  thou  art  fine  ! 
Ne'er  have  I  seen  such  marvel  robes  as  thine. 
Thy  crown  is  a  fair  dream,  thy  gracious  dress 
A  vision  of  exquisite  loveliness  ! 

Dame  Fashion. 

I  am  Dame  Fashion.    Frill  and  furbelow 
On  lovely  woman  freely  I  bestow. 

Solo  by  Dame  Fashion  {Air,  ul  Cannot  Sing  the  Old 
Songs  "). 

You  cannot  wear  the  old  clothes 

You  wore  last  year,  you  know ; 
For  styles  are  so  uncertain, 

And  fashion  changes  so. 
Those  bygone  frocks  are  out  of  date, 

Those  hats  and  wraps  are  too; 
You  cannot  wear  the  old  clothes, 

And  so  I  bring  you  new. 

You  cannot  wear  the  old  clothes, 

So  every  year  I  bring 
A  lot  of  newly  fashioned  garb 

That's  just  the  very  thing. 
Now  see  this  dainty,  winsome  gown; 

This  hat  with  plumes  a-row  ; 
Oh,  woman,  lovely  woman, 

You'll  like  my  gift,  I  know  ! 


22       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Dame  Fashion,  thou  art  right,  'tis  woman's  way 
To  deck  herself  in  beautiful  array. 
And  every  woman  with  a  smile  will  greet 
These  gifts  of  thine  that  make  her  fair  and  sweet. 

{To  gay  music  Dame  Fashion  trips  over  to  the  table  and 
lays  the  garments  there,  then  takes  her  seat.) 

(  The  music  ceases,  and  a  whistling  is  heard  as  a  Newsboy 
enters,  carelessly  ivhistling  any  popular  air.  There  is 
no  instrumental  music,  but  the  boy  whistles  gayly  and 
well  as  he  runs  in  with  his  bundle  of  papers.) 

Newsboy. 

Wuxtry  !    Poipers,  sir  ?    All  the  latest  news  ! 
Gee,  loidy  !  'scuse  me,  but  dis  is  fer  youse  ! 

{Offers  paper  to  Goddess  Bountiful,  and  pulls  off  his  cap.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

What,  boy  !    Who  art  thou  ?    What  dost  thou 
in  here  ? 

Newsboy. 

Aw,  loidy,  say — I  do  feel  sorta  queer ! 
But  say,  yer  know  I'm  in  on  this  'ere  game ; 
An'  though  I  ain't  exackly  known  to  fame, 
I  pass  the  news  around;  and,  don't  yer  see, 
How'd  this  'ere  woild  get  on  'thouten  o'  me  ? 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Ah,  boy,  I  see  !    Thou  sellest  on  the  street, 
To  those  who  would  peruse,  the  printed  sheet. 

Neivsboy. 

Yep.    You're  on,  loidy  !    That's  the  game,  you 

bet! 
Say,  ain't  my  gift  about  the  limit  yet  ? 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  23 

Goddess  Bountiful  (musing). 

'Tis  hard  to  choose,  all  are  so  full  of  grace  ; 
But  wilt  thou,  lad,  have  patience  for  a  space  ? 

Newsboy. 

You  bet  I'll  wait !    They  ain't  no  other  gink 
Can  put  it  over  me  !     Nix,  I  don't  think  ! 

(  The  Newsboy  tosses  his  papers  on  the  table,  thrusts  his  hands 
in  his  pockets,  and,  whistling  the  same  tune,  goes  to  his 
place.) 

(The  music  now  strikes  up  Gounod's  " £hieen  of  Sheba,"  or 
any  fine  inarch,  and  Dame  Fortune  enters.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Hail,  radiant  creature,  glorious  and  bright; 
Truly  thou  art  a  rare  and  dazzling  sight ! 

Dame  Fortune. 

I  am  Dame  Fortune.     Goddess,  may  I  pour 
Here  at  thy  feet  my  golden-minted  store  ? 

(Pours  out  some  coins  at  the  feet  of  Goddess  Bountiful?) 
Thus  do  I  dower  the  favorites  I  choose, 
Nor  heed  if  well  or  ill  my  gift  they  use. 
I  fling  my  largess  freely  here  and  there; 
I  know  not  where  it  falls,  nor  do  I  care. 

Solo   by  Dame    Fortune  (Air,  "  The  Magnet   and  the 
Churn,1'  from  the  opera  of  '"  Patience11). 

Oh,  I'm  Dame  Fortune,  glad  and  gay, 

I  fling  gold  coins  along  the  way, 

And  some  I've  favored  and  some  I've  missed, 

Scattering  wealth  where'er  I  list. 

I  have  no  method  but  my  whim, 

I  may  choose  her,  or  I  may  choose  him ; 

I  fling  gifts  here  and  there  by  chance, 

And  I  lead  my  devotees  a  dance. 


24      JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

An  eager  dance, 
A  breathless  dance  ; 
My  taunted,  vaunted,  very  much  wanted  favors 

go  by  chance ; 
I  may  make  present  to  king  or  peasant, 
But  I  give  my  gifts  by  chance. 

( To  the  repeated  strains  of  her  song  Dame  Fortune  flings 
her  gold  coins  on  the  table  and  trips  to  her  seat.) 

{The  music  stops  and  there  is  heard  the  sound  of  the  striking 
of  a  Chinese  dinner  gong.  Its  notes  continue  to  sound 
as  a  Cook  enters  carrying  a  dish  containing  an  elab- 
orately garnished  confection.  This  he  shows  to  the 
Goddess  Bountiful  and  she  bows  approval.  The  Cook 
then  places  the  dish  on  the  table  and  proceeds  to  sing 
his  song.) 

Solo  by  the  Cook  {Air  "Solomon  Levi"). 
Oh,  I'm  a  cook  and  a  fancy  cook, 

And  a  good  plain  cook  as  well; 
And  all  the  dishes  I  can  make 

I  haven't  time  to  tell. 
I  can  roast  and  broil  and  bake  and  boil, 

And  smother  and  stew  and  steam; 
And  the  pies  I  make  and  the  rolls  and  cake 

Are  simply  a  perfect  dream  ! 

Oh,  I  am  a  cook,  and  the  gift  I  gladly  give 

Is  well-cooked  food  so  that  every  one  may  live. 

For  I  make  such  salads  and  sauce  and  soups 

That  every  one  must  agree 
They  never  have  eaten  a  dish  that  has  beaten 

The  dishes  prepared  by  me. 
And  you  must  admit,  here's  the  truth  of  it, 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  25 

No  matter  which  way  you  look, 
You  never  can  see  another  like  me  — 
There's  nobody  like  the  cook  ! 

(The  Cook  takes  his  place  as  the  music  repeats  a  few  strains 
of  his  song.) 

(The  music  changes  to  Schubert's  "Serenade  "  and  to  its 
soft  strains  Night  enters.  She  bows  slowly  to  the 
Goddess  Bountiful,  who,  as  she  returns  the  bow,  softly 
falls  asleep.) 

Solo  by  Night  (Air,  "Sweet  and  Low  "). 
I  am  Night,  I  invite 

Sleep  to  the  weary  one ; 
Rest,  rest,  sleep  and  rest, 
After  the  day  is  done. 
Sleep  is  the  gentle  gift  I  bring, 
Soft  as  the  touch  of  an  angel's  wing, 
Sleep  is  the  boon  I  give  to  all. 
Sleep  I  bring  to  thee, 
Sleep  I  give  to  thee  — 
Sleep  ! 

(Slowly  Night  glides  to  her  place,  and  the  notes  of  the  lullaby 
die  away.) 

(  Then  follow  the  stirring  notes  of  "  The  Anvil  Chorus" 
and  the  Goddess  Bountiful  awakes  as  Labor  enters.) 

Solo  by  Labor  (Air,  "  We  Are  All  Noddin'  "). 
We  are  all  working,  work,  work,  working, 

We  are  all  working, 

And  that's  why  we  are  glad. 
'Tis  a  blessing  to  man,  it  brings  all  in  its  train ; 
If  we  work  we'll  be  happy,  no  work  is  in  vain. 
We  are  all  working,  work,  work,  working, 

We  are  all  working, 

And  that's  why  we're  glad. 


26       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Aye,  Labor,  work  is  blest  to  all, 
Whether  in  lowly  cot  or  palace  hall. 
Each  one  is  better  for  some  healthy  work  ; 
All  should  industrious  be,  and  none  should  shirk. 

{Labor  bows  to  the  Goddess  Bountiful,  lays  his  pick  on  the 
table  and  takes  his  place  while  a  few  more  strains  of 
"  The  Anvil  Chorus  ''  are  played.) 

[Then  follow  the  opening  bars  of'-''  The  Moonlight  Sonata" 
and  Moonlight  gently  glides  on  the  stage.) 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Hail,  fairy  being,  who  dost  gently  shine  ! 

Moonlight. 

I  am  the  Moonlight;  witchery  is  mine. 
O'er  youth  and  maiden,  lovers  fair  and  fond, 
I  gently  wave  my  mystic,  magic  wand  ; 
Their  hearts  respond,  they  wander  arm  in  arm, 
Lured  by  the  subtle  power  of  Moonlight's  charm. 

Solo  by  Moonlight  {Air,  "  Love's  Old  Sweet  Song  "), 
I  am  the  Moonlight,  gentle  is  my  thrall  j 
I  bring  the  gift  of  fair  romance  to  all. 
Over  the  world  my  glamour  sweet  I  throw, 
I  wield  the  mystic  charm  that  lovers  know. 
I  bring  romance  to  many  a  youth  and  maid 
Whose  timid  hearts  accept  the  Moonlight's  aid. 

Just  a  walk  by  moonlight, 

Just  a  drooping  eye ; 
Just  a  fluttering  heartbeat, 

Just  a  whispered  sigh. 
Though  the  hours  be  lonely, 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  27 

Though  the  day  be  drear, 
Just  a  touch  of  moonlight  — 

Romance  is  here  !    Romance  is  here  ! 

( The  orchestra  again  plays  a  few  bars  of  the  sonata  and, 
laying  her  wand  upon  the  table,  Moonlight  glides  to 
her  seat.) 

(  Then  are  heard  the  strains  of u  Love  Me  and  the  World 
is  Mine"  and  Cupid  dances  in.  He  carries  a  gilt 
bow  and  arrow,  and,  as  he  enters,  flies  to  the  Goddess 
Bountiful  and  kisses  her  and  her  attendants^) 

Solo  by  Cupid  {Air,  "  Titwillow   Song,"  from  the  opera 
cf  "The  Mikado"). 
My  sign  is  an  arrow,  my  seal  is  a  kiss  — 

For  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid. 
And  the  gift  that  I  bring  is  both  torment  and  bliss  — 

For  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid. 
I  bring  love  to  the  hearts  of  the  maiden  and  youth, 
And  sometimes  it's  fable  and  sometimes  it's  truth ; 
For  I  aim  where  I  will,  without  reason  or  ruth  — 

For  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid. 

My  gift  to  the  world  is  the  dearest  of  all  — 
For  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid. 

The  bravest  and  strongest  must  come  at  my  call  — 
For  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid. 

On  high  born  and  lowly  I  practice  my  arts, 

And  no  one  is  safe  from  my  swift-flying  darts; 

And  though  I  am  blind  I  can  see  in  your  hearts 
For  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid,  I'm  Cupid  ! 

(Cupid  playfully  aims  his  arrow  at  one  or  another,  and 
then,  laying  bow  and  arrow  on  the  table,  runs  to  his 
seat,  which  is  on  a  little  footstool  near  the  throne  of  the 
Goddess  Bountiful.) 


28       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

(Now  all  are  in  place,  and  after  a  short  pause  a  jingle  of 
bells  is  beard  outside,  followed  by  the  sounds  of  a  sweet- 
toned  trumpet.  Then  Christmas  comes  bounding  in. 
She  bows  to  the  Goddess  and  the  others,  and  blows  a 
few  clear  notes  on  her  trumpet.  Then,  jingling  her 
little  bells,  she  sings.) 

Solo  by  Christmas  (Air,  "  f  ingle  Bells  "). 
I'm  Christmas,  glad  and  gay, 
I'm  Merry  Christmas  Day, 
I'm  Christmas  spirit,    Christmas  joy,  and  Christ- 
mas every  way ; 
I'm  Christmas  love  and  cheer, 
The  glory  of  the  year ; 
Let  all  hearts  sing  and  all  bells  ring,  for  Christmas 
now  is  here  ! 

Christmas  here,  Christmas  there, 

Christmas  everywhere  ! 
Christmas  in  our  loving  hearts, 
There's  Christmas  in  the  air  ! 

(Repeat.) 
Now  Christmas  carols  sing  ! 
And  Christmas  presents  bring  ! 
The  gift  I  give  is  love  and  peace  and  good  will 
unto  men  ; 
The  Holy  Christmas  Love 
Sent  to  us  from  above 
That  shall  abide  in  every  heart  till  Christmas  comes 
again. 

Christmas  here,  Christmas  there, 

Christmas  all  around! 
Christmas  in  each  happy  heart 

Where  Christ-love  may  be  found  ! 

(Repeat.) 


THE  GREATEST  GIFT  29 

Goddess  Bountiful. 

Christmas,  the  greatest  number  thou  dost  bless; 
Thy  gifts  are  myriads — millions — numberless  ! 
All  others  pale  beside  thee  !     Far  above 
All  mortal  gifts  is  thy  great  gift  of  love. 
Christmas,  thou  art  thyself  a  blessed  gift 
From  the  Great  Giver.     How  our  hearts  uplift 
In  joyful  praise  that  thou  to  us  art  given, 
A  token  of  the  Blessed  Love  of  Heaven. 
Dear  Christmas  spirit,  ne'er  from  us  depart; 
All  'round  the  year  dwell  thou  in  every  heart. 
Thy  gift  of  love  is  greatest,  purest,  best ; 
And  it  includes  the  gifts  of  all  the  rest. 
Gifts  are  small  worth  unless  thy  spirit  move 
The  giver's  heart.     Then  are  they  gifts  of  love. 
Yea,  Christmas,  thine  the  palm  we  all  declare; 
The  Greatest  Gift  is  Christmas  Everywhere! 

(Goddess  Bountiful  bestows  a  palm  branch  upon  Christmas.} 

Final  Grand  Chorus  {Air,  "  f ingle  Bells  "). 
Christmas  here,  Christmas  there, 

Christmas  everywhere  ! 
Christmas  in  our  loving  hearts; 
There's  Christmas  in  the  air  ! 

{Repeat.) 


CURTAIN 


Christmas  Gifts  of  All  Nations 


A  Children's  Christmas  Play 


Copyright,  1912,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 


Christmas  Gifts  of  All  Nations 


CHARACTERS 


Father  Christmas.  White  robe  of  Canton  flannel  falling 
in  voluminous  folds.  White  wig  and  long  white  beard ;  silver- 
paper  crown,  as  elaborate  as  possible,  sparkling  with  rhinestone 
buckles  or  diamond  dust. 

Aurora  Borealis.  Young  girl  with  ft 'owing  golden  hair. 
Gown  of  transparent  white  material ;  long,  narrow,  pointed 
strips  of  gilt  paper  fall  straight  down  from  the  waist-line  all 
around ;  the  bodice  decorated  with  similar  rays.  Gilt-paper 
head-dress  of  long,  gilt,  outstanding  rays.  A  thin  floating 
scarf  of  pale  pink  draped  from  the  shoulders,  and  a  large  crystal 
bowl  filled  with  finely  cut  paper  or  with  silver  tinsel  represent- 
ing hoarfrost. 

Starlight.  Little  girl  in  short  white  tarlatan  skirts,  white 
stockings  and  slippers.  Frock  sprinkled  with  silver  stars,  a 
large  silver  star  in  her  hair,  and  in  her  hand  a  silver  wand 
with  a  star  at  the  end. 

Sleighbells.  Boy  dressed  all  in  white,  trimmed  with  white 
fur  or  swan's-down,  and  wearing  many  white  bands  of  very 
small  silver  sleighbells.  White  cap,  like  a  jester's  cap,  with 
bells  on  the  points.  In  his  hands  a  hoop  wound  with  white 
ribbon,  and  bells  all  the  way  round. 

Two  American  Children.  Dressed  in  modern  white  garb, 
with  white  stockings  and  shoes. 

Children  of  All  Nations.  Wearing  their  native  garbs 
as  nearly  as  possible. 

33 


34  CHARACTERS 

The  Gifts.  Several  children  arranged  to  look  like  gifts 
wrapped  up  for  Christmas.  For  a  small  child  get  a  very  large 
bandbox.  Make  a  hole  in  the  cover  to  stick  his  head  through, 
and  cut  away  nearly  all  of  the  bottom  of  the  box  to  put  his 
legs  through.  Thus  he  can  walk  about,  showing  only  his  head 
and  feet,  a  peripatetic  bandbox.  This  bandbox  should  be 
covered  with  holly  paper  and  tied  with  a  big  bow  of  red  ribbon. 
A  large  square  or  oblong  box  ?nay  be  similarly  arranged.  An- 
other small  child  may  be  wrapped  in  many  sheets  of  white  tissue 
paper,  making  a  bundle  which  leaves  exposed  only  his  head  and 
feet.  Tie  this  "  bundle  "  with  crisscrossed  holly  ribbon.  An- 
other child  carries  a  great  holly  wreath  with  an  enormous  red 
bow,  the  whole  nearly  hiding  the  child,  whose  red  stockings  and 
slippers  appear  below  the  wreath  and  behind  the  bow.  A  large 
silver  cornucopia  may  contain  a  walking  child,  and  the  shirred 
silk  top  of  it  may  be  drawn  up  around  his  neck ;  and  a  child 
may  bear  two  enormous  "Christmas  cards  "  worn  like  a  " sand- 
wich man's  "  placards.  If  the  Chorus  of  Gifts  entails  too 
much  troublesome  preparation  it  may  be  omitted. 


Christmas  Gifts  of  All  Nations 


b'CENE.  —  The  Palace  of  Father  Christmas  at  the  North 
Pole.  The  whole  scheme  of  decoration  is  white.  Drape 
the  rear  and  side  walls  of  the  stage  with  white  cheese-cloth 
or  sheets,  on  which  stars  cut  from  silver  paper  have  been 
pasted  at  intervals.  In  the  center,  at  the  back  of  the 
stage,  arrange  the  throne  of  Father  Christmas.  This 
should  be  on  a  raised  platform  and  consist  of  a  large  arm- 
chair covered  with  white,  with  a  canopy  above  it,  also 
white.  Over  all  dash  bits  of  fleecy  cotton  batting,  and 
sprinkle  it  sparingly  with  "  diamond  dust  "  or  Christmas- 
tree  tinsel  The  floor  should  be  covered  with  white,  and 
white  fur  rugs  should  be  laid  wherever  possible.  Place  a 
white-covered  chair  at  the  right  of  the  throne,  and  a 
double  settee,  also  covered  with  white,  at  the  left.  Decor- 
ate the  stage  with  any  marble  statues,  vases  or  ornaments 
obtainable,  using  only  zvhite  or  silver.  A  beautiful  effect 
is  added  by  garlands  of  flowers  and  leaves,  all  made  of 
white  tissue  paper,  and  white  crepe  paper  is  exceedingly 
useful  also.  Tall  cathedral  candles,  their  stands  draped 
in  white,  may  be  placed  about,  and  white  candles  may  be 
placed  anyzvhere  if  precautions  are  taken  against  fire.  A 
Christmas  tree  stands  on  one  side  of  the  stage.  Decorate 
this  with  strings  of  white  pop-corn  and  white  or  silver  or- 
naments.     Also  sprinkle  its  branches  plentifully  with  flour, 

35 


36       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

to  look  like  snow.  Small  evergreens  or  box  trees  may  be 
used  to  add  to  the  scenic  effect,  all  being  powdered  with 
flour.  Have  all  the  electric  light  possible,  or  candlelight ; 
and,  if  it  can  be  arranged,  throw  calcium  colored  lights  on 
the  stage  at  intervals.  Tinsel  icicles  may  be  bought,  or 
silver  tinsel  frosting,  to  add  to  the  North  Pole  effect. 
Ropes  of  evergreen  may  be  draped  from  the  ceiling,  but 
well  floured  as  if  snowed  on.  Cotton  snow,  diamond- 
dusted,  should  be  placed  wherever  it  seems  to  be  effective. 
If  convenient,  scenery  painted  to  represent  a  landscape  of 
snowbanks  and  icebergs  may  be  used. 

{Curtain  rises,  disclosing  Father  Christmas  on  his  throne, 
and  his  pages,  Starlight  and  Sleighbells,  one  on  each  side 
of  him.  As  he  sings  Sleighbells  keeps  up  a  faint  jingle 
and  Starlight  waves  her  wand  in  time  to  the  music.) 

Solo  by  Father  Christmas  (Jir^  "  Sweet  Evelina  "). 
I  am  old  Father  Christmas,  so  hoary  and  white, 
To  make  children  glad  is  my  fondest  delight. 
I  fill  all  their  stockings,  I  load  all  their  trees, 
And  listen  to  hear  their  carols  and  their  glees. 

I'm  Father  Christmas,  I'm  Father  Christmas, 
I  lavish  gifts  on  happy  girls  and  boys; 

I'm  Father  Christmas,  old  Father  Christmas, 
I  find  my  joy  bestowing  Christmas  joys. 

I  am  old  Father  Christmas,  so  merry  and  gay, 
I  wish  every  one  a  Happy  Christmas  Day. 
May  the  glad  Christmas  Spirit  abide  in  each 

heart, 
And  to  every  one  a  joyous  peace  impart. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   37 

I'm  Father  Christmas,  I'm  Father  Christmas, 
I  bring  good  cheer  to  every  one  on  earth. 

I'm  Father  Christmas,  I'm  Father  Christmas, 
I  bring  you  gladness,  happiness  and  mirth. 

{Aurora  Bore  a  lis  appears  at  side  entrance.) 

Father  Christmas. 

What,  ho  !   my  lovely  Maid  of  Honor's  here  ; 
Welcome,  fair  maiden  ;  join  our  Christmas  cheer. 

Solo  by  Aurora  Borealis  {Air,  "/»  the  Gloaming"). 
I'm  Aurora  Borealis, 

Shining  o'er  the  ice  and  snow, 
Where  old  Father  Christmas'  palace 

Glitters  'neath  my  radiant  glow; 
And  I  pour  from  crystal  chalice 

Sparkling  hoarfrost  pure  and  white. 
{Tosses  shredded  paper  or  tinsel  frost  from  vase.) 
I'm  Aurora  Borealis, 

I'm  the  glowing  Northern  Light. 

I'm  Aurora  Borealis, 

Father  Christmas'  handmaid,  I ; 
I  irradiate  his  palace, 

Shining  from  the  polar  sky. 
May  all  hearts  be  filled  with  gladness 

Bright  and  pure  as  Northern  Light, 
May  no  trace  of  care  or  sadness 

Mar  this  happy  Christmas  night. 

{She  takes  her  seat  at  Father  Christinas' s  right  hand,) 

Father  Christmas. 

Ay,  ay,  Aurora,  Christmas  is  at  hand, 
And  I  must  scatter  gifts  o'er  all  the  land. 
For  Christmas  is  the  day  of  gifts  for  all, 
Remembering  Bethlehem's  Babe  in  lowly  stall. 


i 


;*v. 


38       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

By  gifts  we  tell  His  story  o'er  again ; 
By  gifts  we  show  peace  and  good  will  to  men. 
By  gifts  on  earth  we  prove  our  grateful  love 
For  that  Great  Gift  sent  us  from  Heaven  above. 
What,  ho!  my  pages — Starlight,  Sleighbells,  say, 
Where  are  The  Gifts  that  celebrate  this  Day  ? 

Starlight  and  Sleighbells  {going  to  the  side  entrance  and 
drawing  aside  its  white  curtains). 

Enter,  ye  Gifts,  bedecked  with  ribbons  gay ; 
Enter,  ye  tokens  of  the  Christmas  Day  ! 

(Enter  The  Gifts.) 

Chorus  of  The  Gifts  (Air,  "Annie  Laurie"). 
Oh,  Christmas  Gifts  are  bonny, 

And  here  you  see  a  few; 
As  we  come  on  Christmas  morning 

To  bring  good  cheer  to  you. 
To  bring  good  cheer  to  you, 

To  make  your  Christmas  gay; 
We  are  Christmas  Gifts  so  bonny, 

To  glad  your  Christmas  Day. 

Father  Christmas. 

Well,  well,  Aurora,  here  we  surely  see 
A  fine  array  of  gifts,  it  seems  to  me. 

Aurora  Borealis. 

Av,  Father  Christmas,  gifts  for  one  and  all, 
For  aged  grandsires  and  for  children  small. 

Gift  Song  (Air,  "Good-Night,  Ladies"). 

Chorus :  Christmas  presents, 
Christmas  presents, 
Christmas  presents, 

Tied  up  with  ribbons  gay. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   39 

Solo  by  one  of  The  Gifts  {done  up  like  a  box  of  candy). 
I'm  a  present  hard  to  beat ! 

Something  sweet, 

Good  to  eat. 
Children  think  me  quite  a  treat 

On  the  Christmas  tree. 

Chorus  (as  before). 

Solo  by  a  Gift  {unmistakably  a  drum  tied  up  with  tissue 
paper  and  red  ribbons). 

I'm  the  noisiest  of  toys  ! 
All  the  boys 
Like  my  noise. 
Every  one  a  drum  enjoys 
On  a  Christmas  Day. 

Chorus  (as  before). 

Solo  by  a  Gift  (a  girl  with  flaxen  hair,  to  resemble  a 
doll ;  her  curly  head  and  slippered  feet  show  ;  the  rest  of 
her  is  in  a  box,  wrapped  and  tied ) 

I'm  a  fine  gift,  all  agree; 
Dolls  like  me 
Fill  with  glee 
Hearts  of  girlies  when  they  see 
Us  on  Christmas  Day. 

Chorus  (as  before). 

(A  jingle  of  sleigh  be  Us  is  heard  outside,  mingled  with  the  toot- 
ing of  horns  and  shouts  of"  Merry  Christmas  !  "  Star- 
light and  Sleighbells  spring  to  draw  the  curtains  apart, 
and  the  Two  American  Children  come  bounding  in.) 

Song  by  Two  American  Children  (Air  "  Ben  Bolt "). 
/  We  come,  Father  Christmas,  to  greet  you  to-night, 
We're  American  children,  you  see; 
We  come  to  your  palace,  so  sparkling  and  bright, 


40       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

To  sing  our  glad  songs  round  your  tree. 
And  the  song  that  we  sing  may  be  heard  far  away, 

For  the  clear  echoes  ring  it  again  ; 
'Tis  the  song  of  the  ages,  the  song  of  to-day, 

It  is  "  Peace  and  good  will  unto  men." 
'Tis  the  song  of  the  ages,  the  song  of  to-day, 

It  is  "  Peace  and  good  will  unto  men." 

Whether  sung  by  the  shepherds  on  far  Eastern  plain, 

Or  sung  by  the  children  to-night, 
It  brings  the  same  message,  it  sounds  the  same  strain, 

Of  Christmas  hearts  happy  and  light; 
And  the  glad  Christmas  greetings  forever  and  aye, 

Reecho  from  mountain  and  glen. 
'Tis  the  song  of  the  ages,  the  song  of  to-day, 

It  is  "Peace  and  good  will  unto  men." 
'Tis  the  song  of  the  ages,  the  song  of  to-day, 

It  is  "  Peace  and  good  will  unto  men." 

Father  Christmas, 

Welcome,  my  bonny  lass  and  merry  lad  ! 
Many  fair  gifts  shall  make  your  Christmas  glad. 
Far  distant  countries,  cold  and  sunny  lands 
Shall  pour  their  treasures  in  your  open  hands. 
Dear  small  Americans,  sit  here  by  me, 
And  presently  we'll  see  what  we  shall  see  ! 

{The  Two  American  Children  scramble  up  on  the  white 
settee,  and,  with  expectant  faces,  await  the  promised 

gift*-) 

( Outside  is  heard  the  music  of  several  instruments,  as  of  a 
small  band,  playing  "Watch  on  the  Rhine."  With  a 
flourish  of  tuand  and  hoop  Starlight  and  Sleighbells 
admit  a  German  girl ,'  and  afteriuard  they  admit  each 
country 's  representative  in  similar  fashion.) 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   41 

Germany' 's  Solo  (Air,  '■'■Little  Buttercup  "). 
Oh,  I  am  Katrina,  dear  little  Katrina  ! 

From  Germany  hither  I  came; 
Where  girls  are  called  Lena  and  Mina  and  Tina, 
But  little  Katrina's  my  name. 

I've  brought  you  some  playthings,  some  pretty 
and  gay  things, 
Some  clever  mechanical  toys; 
I've  small  wooden  wagons  and   carved  wooden 
dragons, 
And  trinkets  for  girls  and  for  boys. 

I've  bows  and  I've  arrows  and  little  wheelbar- 
rows, 
And  jolly  red  carts  with  blue  wheels; 
I've   dolls   that   are  dancers  and  dogs  that  are 
prancers, 
And  cute  little  automobiles. 

I've  lamb«  that  are  furry  and  cats  that  are  purry 
And  jackknives  that  really  will  cut  ! 

I've  dolls  with  gay  dresses  and  long  flaxen  tresses 
And  eyes  that  will  open  and  shut. 

For  I  am  Katrina,  dear  little  Katrina  ' 

From  Germany  hither  I  came 
To  bring  you  these  presents  and  greetings  most 
pleasant. 

I  hail  you  in  Germany's  name  ! 

(Katrina  has  her  arms  full  of  the  gifts  she  has  mentioned, 
and,  with  the  help  of  Starlight  aud  Sleighbells,  hangs 
them  on  the  Christmas  tree  or  lays  them  beneath  it.  The 
tree  is  on  the  side  opposite  the  entrance.  Then  Katrina 
takes  her  appointed  place  and  remains  on  the  stage,  as 
do  all  the  other  Nations  after  their  songs  are  sung.) 


42       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

{Outside  is  beard  a  Swiss  air  played  on  a  music-box  or  sung 
by  yodelers.  Enter  Switzerland,  a  boy  in  the  costume 
of  a  Swiss  peasant.) 

Switzerland' s  Song  {Air,  "When  the  Swallows  Home- 
ward Fly  "). 

I  am  come  from  Switzerland, 
Bearing  gifts  in  either  hand; 
Humbly  offering  to  thee 
Presents  for  thy  Christmas  tree. 
See,  1  bring  a  music-box 
And  some  carven  cuckoo  clocks  ! 
Watches  set  with  jewels  fine  — 
All  these  tokens  now  are  thine, 
All  these  tokens  now  are  thine. 

(  The  gifts  he  brings  are  hung  on  the  tree.) 

{Outside  is  heard  "  The  Marseillaise"  played  on  a  French 
horn.  Enter  French  Girl  in  costume  of  Parisian 
effects  or  garb  of  French  peasant.) 

France's  Song  {Air,  "  Those  Tassels  on  her  Boots  "). 
I'm  a  little  maid  from  France, 

I  have  dimples  and  I've  smiles; 
For  your  holiday  adornment 

I  have  brought  the  latest  styles. 
Here's  a  collar  made  of  lace, 

Fastened  by  a  satin  rose ; 
Here's  a  frilly,  fluffy  fichu 

With  some  dainty  little  bows. 

Here's  a  fashionable  bag, 

And  a  scarf  of  gauzy  white  ; 
And  a  pair  of  satin  slippers 

With  their  buckles  shining  bright. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS  43 

Here's  a  lovely  silken  sash 

Wrought  with  flowers  pink  and  blue  ; 

And  all  these  Christmas  gifts,  my  dears, 
I  gladly  offer  you. 

{France  bangs  her  pretty  gifts  on  the  tree.) 

(Sounds  outside  of  striking  a  set  of  'Japanese  musical  gongs- 
Enter  Japanese  Boy  in  costume?) 

Japans  Song  (Air,  "A  Wandering  Minstrel,  I"). 
I  come  from  far  Japan, 

From  Oriental  city; 

I  bring  gifts  rare  and  pretty, 
I  give  you  all  I  can. 

I  come  from  far  Japan ; 

I  bring  this  little  lady 

A  parasol  so  shady, 
A  quaint  and  curious  fan. 

(He  hangs  Japanese  articles  on  the  tree.) 

(Outside  is  heard  a  skirl  of  bagpipes  playing  any  well-known 
Scottish  air.     Enter  Scotch  Girl  in  plaid  costume.) 

Scotland's  Song  (Air,  "Oh,   Believe  Me,  if  All  Those 
Endearing  Young  Charms  "). 

I'm  a  bonny  Scotch  lassie;  from  Scotland  I  come, 

The  land  of  the  heather  and  brae  ; 
And  I  bring  you  these  tokens  in  fondness  and  love 
To  greet  you  this  glad  Christmas  Day. 

Here's  a  gay  Tarn  o'  Shanter,  so  bright  and  so  warm, 
To  wear  when  you  walk  in  the  cold  ; 

And  a  bonny  Scotch  plaidie  to  shield  you  from  storm 
As  you  nestle  within  its  snug  fold. 

(Hangs  Tarn  of  Shanter  and  plaid  rug  on  the  tree.) 


44       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

[Sound  of  tom-toms  or  any  Chinese  music.  Enter  Chinese 
Boy.) 

China  s  Song  {Air,  "  The  Happy  Farmer"  or  "  The 
Happy  Peasant"). 

I'm  a  Chinaman, 

Ching,  ching,  Chinaman, 
Come  to  makee  Klismus  Day  ; 

I  bling  Melican, 

Nice,  small  Melican, 
Muchee  gifts  for  her  to  play. 

I  bling  chelly  bloom, 

Big,  white  chelly  bloom, 
I  bling  lanterns  gleen  and  white; 

All  for  Melican, 

Nice,  small  Melican, 
For  to  make  her  Klismus  blite. 

Yes,  I'm  Chinaman, 

Ching,  ching,  Chinaman, 
And  I  blingee  Chinese  toy 

For  the  lady  girl, 

Nice,  small  lady  girl, 
And  the  nice,  small  Melican  boy. 

I  bling  dishee  set, 

Nice  tea-dishee  set, 
So  she  dlinkee  cupee  tea; 

I  bling  Chinee  doll, 

Funny  Chinee  doll, 
For  to  hang  on  Klismus  tlee. 

{The  Chinese  Boy  has  great  sprays  of  artificial  cherry  blos- 
soms and  several  Chinese  lanterns  in  white  and  pale 
green  or  pale  colors,  also  dishes  and  dolls.  All  of  these 
he  arranges  on  or  under  the  tree,  assisted  by  the  two 
pages.) 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   45 

(Outside  is  heard  an  air  from  an  Italian  opera  played  on  a 
guitar  or  on  a  hand  organ.  Enter  Italian  Alaiden 
in  Roman  or  Neapolitan  garb,  bearing  large  flat  basket 
of  fruits,  some  of  which  may  be  artificial.  The  basket 
tray  is  adorned  with  grape  leaves.} 

Italy's  Song  (Air,  "  Juanita  "). 

From  far  Italia,  children  dear,  I  come  to  thee; 
Bringing  as  token  all  these  fruits  you  see. 

Grapes  of  purple  glory, 

Luscious,  golden  nectarine  j 

Ripest  pears  and  peaches, 
Plums  of  satin  sheen. 

Children,  dear  children, 

See  these  glorious  fruits  I  sing; 

Children,  dear  children, 
All  to  thee  I  bring. 

From  far  Italia,  also,  now  I  bring  to  thee 
Bright  gems  and  trinkets,  fine  and  fair  to  see. 

Necklaces  of  coral, 

Amber  beads  in  golden  strings, 
Cameos  fine  carven, 

Brooches,  too,  and  rings. 

Children,  dear  children, 

See  these  glittering  gems  I  sing; 

Children,  dear  children, 
All  to  thee  I  bring. 

(Italy  places  a  tray  of  fruits  and  a  smaller  tray  of  glit- 
tering jewelry  under  the  tree  or  on  a  small  table  or 
pedestal  near  it.) 


46       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

(Outside,  sound  of  tambourines  and  castanets  accompanying 
any  gay  Spanish  air.  Enter  Spanish  Girl  in  w  Car- 
men "  costume,  with  lace  mantilla,  and  a  red  rose  in 
her  hair.} 

Spain's  Song  (Air,  "Billy  Boy"). 

I'm  a  little  Spanish  girl, 

As  you  see,  as  you  see, 
I'm  a  little  Spanish  girl 

From  Sevilla ; 
You  would  know  me  anywhere 
By  the  red  rose  in  my  hair 
And  the  graceful  way  I  wear 

My  mantilla. 

I  have  brought  you  gifts  from  Spain, 

Little  boy,  little  girl, 
I  have  brought  you  gifts  from  Spain 

For  your  Christmas ; 
Laces  very  soft  and  fine, 
Silken  sash  of  rare  design, 
A  mantilla  just  like  mine, 

For  your  Christmas. 

(Spain  hangs  her  gay  silks  and  laces  on  the  tree.) 

(Outside  a  bugle  blows  and  a  fife  and  drum  corps  plays 
"Rule  Britannia."  Enter  an  English  Boy  in  an 
Eton  suit.) 

England's  Song  (Air,  "  Tommy  Atkins  "). 

I'm  a  schoolboy  from  old  England,  and  I'm 
here 
To  tell  you  of  our  Christmas  glad  and  gay, 
To  tell  you  of  our  jollity  and  cheer 

And  how  we  celebrate  our  Christmas  Day. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   47 

To  tell  you  of  our  carols  and  our  glees, 
To  tell  you  of  our  Yule  log  with  its  blaze  ; 

Our  big  plum  puddings  and  our  Christmas  trees 
And  all   our  wholesome,  hearty  Christmas 
ways. 

Yes,  I  came  from  dear  Old  England, 

With  its  feasting  and  its  fun  ; 
Where  the  Christmas  Day  traditions 

Were  long  years  ago  begun. 
Where  the  Spirit  of  the  Christmas 

And  the  meaning  of  the  Day 
Are  every  year  repeated 

In  the  dear  old  English  way. 

Oh,  there  we  have  the  steaming  wassail-bowl, 

Bedecked  with  wreaths  of  holly  and  of  bay  ; 
And  there  the  noble  boar's  head,  brought  in 
whole, 

In  memory  of  the  old-time  Christmas  Day. 
The  Yule  log  blazes  with  its  glowing  light, 

The  table  groans  beneath  its  goodly  store  ; 
The  children  smile  in  merriest  delight, 

And  Christmas  waits  sing  carols  at  the  door. 

Oh,  there's  merriment  in  England 

And  there's  happiness  untold 
When  we  celebrate  our  Christmas 

As  our  fathers  did  of  old  ; 
When  we  hear  the  chiming  church  bells 

Christmas  hymns  and  carols  play. 
Every  year  we  keep  our  Christmas 

In  the  dear  old  English  way. 

(England  carries  a  plum  pudding  or  a  boar  s  head  or  a 
zuassail-bowl,  as  may  be  convenient,  and  places  it  on  a 
stand  prepared  for  it  near  the  tree.} 


48       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

{Outside  is  heard  a  clatter  of  wooden  shoes.      Enter  Dutch 
Girl  in  Dutch  costume.) 

Dutch  Song  (Air, "  Won't  You  Tell  Me  Why,  Robin  P ' '). 
Oh,  I'm  a  little  Dutch  maiden, 

And  I  come  to  you 
With  loving  Christmas  presents  laden, 

China  white  and  blue. 
Delft-ware  porringers  and  platters, 

Some  with  ancient  dates; 
And  some  other  little  matters, 

Such  as  cups  and  plates. 
I  bring  these  from  the  Netherlands, 

I  bring  them  all  to  you ; 
Do  you  like  my  gifts,  children, 

Of  old  Delft  china  blue  ? 
Oh,  do  you  like  my  gifts,  children  ? 

I  brought  them  all  for  you. 

(The  Dutch  Girl  sets  down  her  burden  of  Delft  ware  on 
a  table  or  hangs  some  light  pieces  on  the  tree.) 

(Strains  of  Eastern  music  are  heard  and  an  Indian  Boy 
enters  in  poor  native  costume.) 

India's  Song  (Air,  "Oh,  Promise  Me"). 

From  far-off  India's  sunny  clime  am  I ; 
I'm  ignorant  and  poor  and  somewhat  shy. 
No  happiness  is  mine,  no  gladsome  day; 
Oppressed  and  destitute  I  make  my  way. 
We  know  not,  where  I  live,  of  Christmas  cheer ; 
We  have  no  Christmas  in  our  whole  sad  year. 
And  so  I  ask  of  you  to  share  your  joy 
With  Indian  Boy — with  Indian  Boy. 

For  Indian  Boy  has  not  a  happy  life; 
It's  only  hunger,  poverty  and  strife. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   49 

No  gospel  light  is  shining  on  his  path  ; 
He  fears  a  heathen  idol's  angry  wrath. 
But  still  he  brings  to  you  a  gift  to-day, 
A  curio  wrought  in  skillful  Indian  way. 
Oh,  children  fair,  accept  this  ivory  toy 
From  Indian  Boy — from  Indian  Boy. 

(The  Indian  Boy  bangs  on  the  tree  a  beautiful  ivory  carv- 
ing or  other  Indian  curio?) 

Father  Christmas  {speaking  to  the  Two  American  Chil- 
dren). 

Behold  these  many  gifts,  oh,  children  dear, 

Behold  these  presents  brought  from  far  and  near: 

Jewels  and  toys,  trinkets  of  rare  design, 

Of  colors  beautiful  and  fabrics  fine  ; 

Offerings  of  love,  brought  from  far-distant  lands. 

Your  Christmas  tree,  with  branches  laden,  stands 

A  monument  of  gentle,  kindly  thought 

Of  these  strange  children  who  these  gifts  have 

brought. 
And  now,  Americans,  what  can  you  give 
To  these  who  in  the  far-off  countries  live? 
What  can  you  offer  these  from  foreign  clime 
Who  thus  add  pleasure  to  your  Christmas  time? 

American  Boy  and  Girl. 

Alas,  we  know  not.     Tell  us  what  to  do  ! 
Dear  Father  Christmas,  we'd  be  taught  by  you. 

Father  Christmas. 

Then,  my  dear  children,  give  them  of  your  mind, 
Gentle  and  loving  thoughts,  generous  and  kind. 
Let  your  hearts  brim  with  comradeship  to  these 
Who  look  to  you  from  far  across  the  seas. 
Pray  blessings  on  them,  wheresoe'er  they  go, 
And  thus  the  real  Christmas  Spirit  show. 


5o       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

American  Boy  and  Girl. 

Dear  Father  Christmas,  gladly  we  obey, 

And  to  these  friends,  upon  this  Christmas  Day, 

We  offer,  in  a  spirit  unafraid, 

Our  Country's  welcome  and  our  Country's  aid. 

{The  Two  American  Children,  Father  Christmas,  Aurora 
Borealis,  Starlight,  Sleigh  be  lis  and  The  Gifts  join  in 
this  chorus.} 

Chorus  {Air,  "Old  Oaken  Bucket"). 

How  dear  to  our  hearts  is  each  fair  Christmas 
present, 
As,  hung  on  the  tree,  it  rejoices  our  view; 
Each  gift  so  delightful,  each  greeting  so  pleas- 
ant — 
The  Nations  unite  in  a  harmony  true. 
Dear  children  from  France  and  from  Switzer- 
land's mountains, 
From  Netherlands,  Germany,  England  and 
Spain  ; 
From  Scotland's  bleak  moorlands  and  Italy's 
fountains, 
From  China's  far  cities  and  India's  plain. 

Come,  share  in  our  presents, 
Our  dear  Christmas  presents, 
Our  fine  Christmas  presents 
That  hang  on  the  tree. 

How  dear  to  our  hearts  is  this  glad  Christmas 
season, 
For  everywhere  peace  and  good  will  we  may 
see ; 
We  all  love  each  other,  and  that  is  the  reason 
We  welcome  these  presents  that  hang  on 
the  tree. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  OF  ALL  NATIONS   51 

The  dear  Christmas  Spirit,  that  brings  us  a 
blessing, 
Is  filling  our  hearts  on  this  beautiful  night ; 
And  to  all  our  friends  this  fond  wish  we're 
expressing, 
May  your  blessed  Christmas  be  happy  and 
bright. 

Come,  join  in  our  Christmas, 
Our  glad,  happy  Christmas, 
Our  bright,  merry  Christmas, 
And  our  Christmas  tree. 

{All  on  the  stage  join  hands  and  circle  around  the  tree, 
singing  the) 

Final  Chorus  (Jit;  "Rally  Round  the  Flag,  Boys"). 
We  are  coming  from  the  Old  World  and  com- 
ing from  the  New, 
Singing  to  all  a  "  Merry  Christmas." 
We  are  merry,  happy  children,  and  bring  good 
will  to  you, 
Singing  to  all  a  "  Merry  Christmas." 

Christmas  forever,  hurrah  and  hurrah  ! 
We  bring  you  greetings  from  near  and  from  far; 
Then  rally  round  the  tree,  boys,  rally  once  again, 
Wishing  to  all  a  "  Merry  Christmas  !  " 


CURTAIN 


The  Greatest  Day  in  the  Year 


A  Christmas  Play  for  Children 


Copyright,  iqii,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 


The  Greatest  Day  in  the  Year 


CHARACTERS 


Father  Time.  Long  white  beard ;  white,  classic  robe, 
scythe  and  hour-glass,  the  same  as  usually  pictured. 

Day.  A  blond  young  girl  dressed  in  white.  If  convenient 
a  filmy  scarf  of  pale  pink  and  blue  tints.  A  gold  fillet  or 
wreath  in  her  hair. 

Night.  A  brunette  girl  wearing  a  gown  of  gauzy  black 
material  studded  with  silver  stars.  In  her  hair  a  crescent 
moon  made  of  silver  paper. 

Herald.  The  usual  court  costume  of  a  herald :  Satin  knee- 
breeches,  gold-trimmed  jacket  and  lace  ruffles.  He  carries  a 
long  brass  trumpet  from  which  hangs  a  satin  banner  bordered 
with  gold  fringe. 

Spring.  Light  green  gown  decorated  with  spring  flowers 
and  green  leaves.  The  flowers  may  be  artificial  or  made  of 
paper.  She  wears  a  wreath  of  green  leaves  and  carries  a 
fancy  basket  of  spring  flowers. 

Summer.  White  gown  decked  with  blue  ribbons  or  draped 
with  garlands  of  flowers.  She  wears  roses  in  her  hair  and  car- 
ries a  lace  parasol  trimmed  with  roses. 

Autumn.  A  young  girl,  with  dark  hair,  dressed  in  a  gozvn 
of  deep  yellow,  with  decorations  of  autumn  leaves  and  a  wreath 
of  autumn  leaves  and  berries.  She  carries  a  sickle  and  a  small 
sheaf  of  grain  ;  or  she  may  carry  a  fancy  basket  of  grapes. 

Winter.  A  rosy-cheeked  young  girl  clad  in  a  fur  coat  and 
hood.  She  carries  a  muff,  and  a  pair  of  skates  hung  over 
her  arm. 

55 


56  CHARACTERS 

Rain.  A  pretty  child  wearing  a  plaid  or  other  attractive 
style  of  raincoat  with  a  hood.      She  carries  an  umbrella. 

Sunshine.  A  very  blond  child,  with  light  yellow  frock  of 
thin  material  made  very  full.  Decorations  of  gilt  paper  repre- 
senting sun  rays,  and  a  head-dress  of  gilt  paper  shaped  like  a 
sunburst. 

Fog.  Child  dressed  in  gray  chiffon,  with  gray  stockings  and 
slippers,  and  a  voluminous  gray  veil  fastened  at  the  top  of  her 
head  with  silver  pins. 

Snow.  Merry-faced  child  dressed  in  a  white  frock  to  which 
drifts  of  cotton  batting  are  sewed.  She  wears  a  white  veil 
which  falls  on  both  sides  of  her  face.  The  whole  costume 
should  be  sprinkled  with  diamond  dust. 

New  Year's  Day.  Very  small  child  dressed  in  white.  He 
carries  a  tiny  suitcase  marked  "ipi-."  ( Use  date  of  next 
Christmas.) 

Lincoln's  Birthday.  Young  girl  in  classic  white  draperies. 
She  wears  a  wreath  of  bay,  and  across  her  shoulder  a  purple  sash 
with  gilt  fringe.  In  one  hand  she  carries  broken  shackles  or 
chains,  a?id  in  the  other  a  scroll  which  is  plainly  marked  "Proc- 
lamation of  Emancipation.'''' 

Valentine's  Day.  Child  in  a  short  white  dress,  made  very 
fluffy  and  trimmed  with  a  great  deal  of  lace  or  lace  paper.  On 
the  dress  are  pasted  "scrap  pictures  "  of  flowers  and  Cupids,  and 
red  paper  hearts  pierced  by  gilt  darts.  On  her  head  is  a 
wreath  of  flowers,  with  fluttering  ends  of  blue  ribbon.  She 
carries  a  gilded  bow  and  arrow. 

Washington's  Birthday.  Young  girl  in  classic  robe  of 
white.  She  wears  a  Liberty  cap,  and  a  tricolnred  sash  over 
her  shoulder.  She  wears  or  carries  a  sword,  and  carries  also  a 
scroll  which  is  lettered  "Declaration  of  Independence." 

April  Fool's  Day.  Three  small  boys  with  roguish  faces. 
They  wear  ordinary  school  clothes.  On  the  back  of  one's 
jacket  is  pinned  a  paper  on  which  is  printed  "April  Fool.''''  An- 
other has  an  old  pocketbook  with  a  string  tied  to  it ;  the  third 
carries  a  cotton  doughnut  or  a  box  of  "  April  Fool  candy." 


CHARACTERS  57 

Memorial  Day.  A  black- draped  figure  with  a  purple  sash. 
She  carries  a  wreath  of  immortelles,  in  the  center  of  which  are 
two  crossed  fags  or  a  shield. 

Commencement  Day.  Young  girl  graduate  in  black  cap 
and  gown,  showing  white  dress  beneath.  She  carries  a  college 
diploma  and  a  large  bouquet  of  flowers. 

Independence  Day.  Girl  in  Goddess  of  Liberty  costume. 
She  carries  an  American  flag  and  shield. 

Labor  Day.  A  boy  dressed  in  the  garb  of  a  workman, 
with  a  laborer's  cap  and  blouse.  He  carries  a  hammer  or  other 
tools,  and  a  dinner-pail. 

All  Hallow  Eve.  A  girl  dressed  as  a  witch.  Black 
gown  trimmed  with  red,  long  black  cloak  lined  with  red,  and  a 
tall  peaked  red  hat.  Hat  and  cloak  may  be  covered  with  weird 
figures  or  cabalistic  signs  cut  from  gilt  paper.  She  carries  a 
black  plush  cat  on  her  shoulder,  and  also  has  a  broom  made  of 
twigs. 

Thanksgiving  Day.  A  girl  dressed  in  the  garb  of  a  Pur- 
itan maid.  Plain  gray  gown,  white  fichu,  apron  and  cap.  On 
one  arm  she  carries  a  large  basket  of  fruits,  and  in  the  other 
arm  a  small  pumpkin. 

Christmas  Day.  This  is  represented  by  the  Spirit  of 
Christmas.  A  young  girl  dressed  like  a  Christmas  angel,  in 
flozving  white  robes,  and  with  long,  graceful  wings  made  of 
fringed,  white  tissue  paper.  In  her  hair  is  a  wreath  of  holly, 
and  she  carries  a  large  gilt  star  in  one  hand  and  a  small 
Christmas  tree  in  the  other. 


The  Greatest  Day  in  the  Year 


SCENE. — The  Palace  of  Time.  A  canopied  background  of 
blue  muslin  scattered  with  gilt-paper  stars.  High  on  one 
side  is  a  sun,  with  long  darting  rays,  cut  from  gilt  paper. 
High  on  the  other  side  hangs  a  moon  cut  from  silver  paper. 
The  moon  should  be  a  crescent,  with  the  features  of  a  face 
indicated  on  the  inner  side.  In  the  center  of  the  back- 
ground, on  a  standing  frame,  is  a  large  Calendar,  three 
feet  square  or  more.  This  has  twelve  leaves  like  an  ordi- 
nary calendar,  and  the  dates  are  plainly  marked.  The 
days  that  are  characters  in  the  play  are  printed  in  red 
figures,  and  the  Calendar  must  be  made  so  that  its  pages 
can  be  easily  turned  over  backward  by  the  attendants.  At 
one  side  of  the  Calendar  Father  Time  is  seated  in  a  large 
throne- like  chair.  On  a  table  at  his  elbow  are  a  scroll  of 
written  names,  his  hour-glass  and  various  globes  or  as- 
tronomical instruments.  His  scythe  leans  against  the  back 
of  his  chair.  Opposite  Father  Time  is  a  draped  portal 
through  which  the  Days  enter,  and  on  each  side  of  Father 
Time  are  seats  for  the  four  Seasons  and  their  attendants. 
Seats  may  be  arranged  for  the  Days,  or  they  may  stand  in 
groups,  as  the  size  of  the  stage  permits.  The  Herald 
stands  at  'he  door  and  announces  the  Days  as  they  appear. 

( Curtain  rises,  showing  a  tableau  with  Father  Time  seated 
on  his  throne,  the  Herald  holding  back  the  curtain  at  the 
entrance  doo,  and  Rain,  Snow,  Fog  and  Sunshine  in 
graceful  positions  in  the  foreground.    The  Palace  of  Time 

59 


6o       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

may  have  as  elaborate  decorations  as  desired.  Appropriate 
ones  are  century  plants  or  tall  palms,  a  sun-dial,  a  large 
clock,  or  any  picturesque  appurtenance  that  may  be  con- 
venient.) 

Father  Time. 

Ho,  Minions  all,  attend  upon  my  word  ! 
Rain,  Snow,  Fog,  Sunshine  ! 

•"^'  We  thy  call  have  heard. 

What  would'st  thou  now,  O  Time  r 

Ttme-  Anon  I  hold 

A  contest  of  the  Days.     I  have  enrolled 
The  names  of  all  who've  entered.    Herald,  ho ! 
Summon  the  Seasons;  I  would  have  them  know 
That  one  Day  shall  of  all  be  judged  the  best, 
One  Day  shall  honored  be  above  the  rest. 

Rain,  Snow,  Fog,  Sunshine. 

We  are  the  Seasons'  Satellites,  we  wait 
Their  advent  through  Time's  ever-open  gate. 

Herald. 

What,  ho !  the  approach  of  Spring  !    What,  ho  ! 
Spring's  here  ! 

Spring  (bounding  ifi). 

I  come  !   the  petted  darling  of  the  year. 

Hail,  Father  Time  !    Sunshine  and  smiles  I  bring. 

Time. 

Hail,  happy  Season  !    Hail,  sweet,  gentle  Spring ! 

Spring's  Song  (Air,  "  Nelly  Bly  "). 

Spring  is  here,  Spring  is  here, 

Gone  is  Winter's  gloom; 
Smiling  daffodils  appear 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   61 

And  laughing  lilacs  bloom. 
Blossoms  spring,  thrushes  sing, 

Fields  and  woods  are  green ; 
All  the  earth  is  welcoming 

Nature's  fairest  scene. 

Springtime,  Springtime, 

Blue  and  laughing  skies; 
The  Springtime  comes  with  smiling  face, 

And  sunshine  in  her  eyes. 

Time. 

Spring,  fairest  season  of  the  fair  round  year, 
Come,  lovely  maiden,  sit  beside  me  here. 

[Spring  sits  near  Time,  and  Rain,  who  is  her  satellite^ 
runs  to  her  and  sits  at  her  feet.) 

Herald. 

What,  ho  !  the  Summer's  coming  !     Summer's 
here  ! 

Summer. 

I  come  !  the  rose-crowned  triumph  of  the  year. 
Hail,  Father  Time  !     Roses  I  gayly  strew 
Along  the  year's  path  as  I  come  to  you. 

Time. 

Hail,  beauteous  Summer!    Thou  art  fair  indeed. 
Light  is  thy  tread  o'er  flowery  dell  and  mead. 

Swnmers  Song  {Air,  "Here's  to  the  Maiden  of  Bashful 
Fifteen  "). 

Summertime  comes  with  the  buzzing  of  bees, 

Bringing  the  rose  and  the  daisy; 
Radiant  sunshine  and  light  southern  breeze, 
And  hours  that  are  happy  and  lazy. 


62       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Green  waving  wheat, 

Soft  fragrant  heat, 
I  am  the  Summertime  idle  and  sweet. 

Green  waving  wheat, 

Soft  fragrant  heat, 
I  am  the  Summertime  idle  and  sweet. 

Time. 

Summer,  thou  art  a  fair  and  fragrant  dream, 
Happily  basking  in  the  sun's  gold  beam. 
Summer,  sit  here,  with  Sunshine  in  thy  train  ; 
Perchance  one  of  thy  Days  the  crown  shall  gain. 

[Summer  sits  near  Father  Time,  and  Sunshine  runs  to  her 
and  stands  by  her  side.) 

Herald. 

What,  ho!    Autumn's  in  sight !    Now  Autumn's 
here  ! 

Autumn. 

I  come  !   the  golden  season  of  the  year. 
Hail,  Father  Time!    The  harvest  I  bestow. 

Time. 

Hail,  golden  Autumn,  radiantly  aglow  ! 

Autumns   Song  (Air,  "/  Dreamt   I  Divelt  in  Marble. 
Halls  "). 

I  am  the  Autumn  crowned  with  gold, 

The  ripened  grain  I  bear; 
Rich  burdens  of  ripe  fruit  I  hold, 

A  goodly  harvest  rare. 
I  clothe  the  woods  in  red  and  brown, 

In  gold  and  russet  sheen  ; 
The  other  Seasons'  gift  I  crown, 

For  Autumn  is  the  Queen. 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   63 

Time. 

Autumn,  thou  truly  art  a  radiant  Queen. 
Sit  thou  beside  me  here  and  watch  the  scene. 

{Autumn  takes  her  place,  and  is  followed  by  Fog^  who  cud- 
dles to  her  side.) 

Herald. 
What,  ho  !    Winter  approacheth  !    Winter's 
here  ! 

Winter. 

I  come!  the  noblest  season  of  the  year. 
Hail,  Father  Time  !    I  bring  the  icy  blast, 

Time. 

Hail,  noble  Winter  !    Welcome  here  at  last ! 

Winter  s   Song  {Air,  "A  Life  on   the  Ocean  Wave  "). 
Oh,  the  Winter  cold  am  I, 

And  I  bring  the  frost  and  snow ; 
While  the  winds  are  fierce  and  high, 

And  the  icy  breezes  blow. 
The  air  is  crisp  and  clear, 

And  the  snow  is  soft  and  white  \ 
Oh,  the  best  time  of  the  year 

Is  a  glorious  Winter  night. 

Oh,  the  Winter  cold  am  I, 

And  the  snow  and  ice  are  mine; 

In  a  black  December  sky 

The  stars  more  glorious  shine. 

Time. 

Winter,  thou  art  a  splendid  season.     Still, 
Sit  not  too  near  me  lest  I  feel  thy  chill. 


64       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

( Winter  laughs  and  takes  a  seat  at  a  little  distance  from 
Time,  who  shivers  as  she  passes.  Snow  comes  run- 
ning to  Winter  s  side  and  stands  by  her.) 

Time. 
Now,  Seasons  all,  I  bid  you  note  the  Days 
As  passing  in  review  we  hear  their  praise. 
One  must  be  crowned  the  best  of  all  the  year; 
Judge  fairly  then  which  we  may  hold  most  dear. 

Song  by  the  Four  Seasons  {Air,  "  Some  Day"). 
We  know  not  which  the  Day  shall  be, 

We  know  not  if  in  Spring  or  Fall ; 
Nor  can  we  doubt  that  Time's  decree 

Will  justly  crown  the  best  of  all. 
But  this  we  know,  when  all  are  heard, 

When  every  one  has  stood  the  test, 
Old  Father  Time  will  give  the  word 

And  we  shall  know  which  Day  is  best. 

Some  day,  some  day, 

Some  day  shall  have  glory  ; 
Though  we  know  not  which  he'll  say, 
Hallowe'en  or  Arbor  Day. 
Only  this,  only  this, 
Time  will  tell  the  story  ; 
Father  Time  will  crown  the  Day  — 
Will  crown  the  Day  — 
Will  crown  the  Day. 

Time. 

What,  ho,  my  Herald  !    Summon   Night  and 

Day! 
And  bid  them  to  my  presence,  that  they  may 
Turn  the  great  pages  of  the  mighty  scroll 
Which  doth  record  the  Seasons  as  they  roll. 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   65 

{Enter  Night  and  Day.  They  take  their  places  at  each 
side  of  the  great  Calendar?) 

Night  and  Day. 

Hail,  Father  Time!    Thy  faithful  servants  we. 
From  the  beginning  have  we  stood  by  thee 
And  ever  shall,  till  Time  shall  be  no  more ; 
Untiringly  we  turn  Time's  pages  o'er. 

Time. 

My  noble  servants,  keepers  of  Time's  scroll, 
Now  to  thy  task.     The  passing  year  unroll. 

{The  outside  page  of  the  Calendar  has  merely  a  marginal 
decoration  and  the  date  igi-  in  large  figures.  Night 
and  Day  turn  this  leaf  back  over  the  top  and  show 
the  calendar  for  January.  Only  the  first  of  'Janu- 
ary is  marked  xvith  a  red  figure,  the  others  being 
black.) 

Time. 

The  month  of  January  !     Shall  I  own 
How  many  Januarys  I  have  known  ? 
Six  thousand  of  them  !     Maybe  more.    Alack, 
My  mem'ry  fails  me  as  I  would  look  back. 
But  this  same  month  forever  and  for  aye 
Brings  to  the  waiting  earth  a  New  Year's  Day, 
The  first  contestant  for  our  Crown  of  Fame. 
Herald,  admit  him,  and  announce  his  name. 

Herald  {announcing,  as  New  Year  s  Day  enters).     New 
Year's  Day  ! 

New  Tears  Day  s  Song  {Air,  "  Tramp,  Tramp,  Tramp, 
the  Boys  are  Marching  "). 

I  am  Happy  New  Year's  Day 
I  am  young  and  bright  and  gay. 


66       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

I  am  first  and  best  of  all  the  glad  New  Year. 

Full  of  resolutions  new, 

To  be  good  and  brave  and  true, 
And  to  firl  the  world  with  happiness  and  cheer. 

Tramp,  tramp,  tramp,  the  years  are  marching; 
One  by  one  they  pass  away  ; 

But  of  all  the  Days  that  dawn 

As  the  years  go  marching  on, 
Don't  you  think  the  very  best  is  New  Year's  Day  ? 

Time. 

Hail,  New  Year's  Day !    Thou'rt  truly  welcome 

here, 
Thou  small  forerunner  of  the  long,  bright  year  5 
Thou   Day  of  Good   Resolves  throughout  the 

land  — 
For  all  improvement  nobly  thou  dost  stand  ! 
Thy  greetings  are  good  wishes  to  mankind  — 
Truly,  in  thee,  much  merit  may  we  find, 
Here  take  thy  place,  fair  child,  the  while  we  see 
What  other  worthy  claimants  there  may  be. 

{Night  and  Day  turn  Calendar  to  February^) 

Herald  (announcing,  as    the    Day  enters).      Lincoln's 
Birthday  ! 

Lincoln's  Birthday's   Song  (/fir,  '■'■Battle   Hymn  of  the 
Republic  ''). 

I  am  the  famous  birthday  of  the  President  who 

gave 
His  life  to  purchase  freedom  for  the  helpless, 

hopeless  slave  ; 
Who  sleeps,  an  honored  hero,  in  a  loved  and 
cherished  grave ; 

His  fame  goes  marching  on. 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   67 

Lincoln,  noble,  brave  and  daring, 
Lincoln,  martyred  by  the  erring, 
Lincoln,  deathless  laurels  wearing, 
His  fame  goes  marching  on. 

Time. 

Birthday  of  Lincoln  !     Memorable  Day  ! 
Well  art  thou  crowned  with  laurel  and  with  bay. 
Thou  standest  for  devotion  to  the  cause 
Of  our  fair  Nation  and  its  noble  laws  ! 
For  bravery,  for  courage,  for  the  might 
That  comes  by  perseverance  in  the  right ! 

(Lincoln's  Birthday  takes  her  appointed  place,  and  as  the 
next  Day  appears  the  Herald  makes  his  announce- 
ment^) 

Herald.     Valentine's  Day  ! 

Valentine's  Day's  Song  {Air,  "Vive  I' Amour"). 
Oh,  I  am  the  best  of  all  days  of  the  year, 

I  am  Saint  Valentine's  Day. 
The  lads  and  the  lasses  they  all  hold  me  dear, 

I  am  Saint  Valentine's  Dav. 
I  smile  on  true  lovers  and  lend  them  my  aid, 
I  send  gentle  missives  coy  hearts  to  persuade ; 
With  roses  and  loves 
And  posies  and  doves, 
I'm  patron  of  gallant  and  maid. 

Yes,  all  the  year  round  I'm  the  best  day  of  all, 

I  am  Saint  Valentine's  Day. 
I  bind  loving  hearts  in  affectionate  thrall, 

I  am  Saint  Valentine's  Day. 
My  messenger  Cupid  is  skillful  and  fleet, 
He  carries  my  missives  sp  tender  and  sweet ; 


68       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

And  shy  maidens'  eyes 
Grow  bright  with  surprise 
As  he  lays  his  fair  wares  at  their  feet. 

Time. 

Valentine's  Day,  the  lover's  joy  art  thou ! 
Sacred  to  plighted  troth  and  rapturous  vow, 
The  tender  token  and  the  fervent  glance ; 
Valentine's  Day,  thou  standest  for  romance. 

[Valentine  s  Day,  smiling,  takes  her  place  with  the  others.} 

Herald.     Washington's  Birthday  ! 

Washington's  Birthday  s  Song  [Air,  "Gaily  the  Trouba- 
dour Touched  His  Guitar  "). 

Noble  George  Washington,  gallant  and  brave, 
Fighting  the  tyrant  his  country  to  save, 
Bringing  the  enemy  sadly  to  grief: 
Washington,  Washington,  hail  to  the  Chief! 

Honored  George  Washington,  noble  and  great, 
Hero  of  battle  field,  hero  of  State, 
From  the  oppressor's  yoke  giving  relief; 
Washington,  Washington,  hail  to  the  Chief! 

Time. 

Washington's   Birthday,  great   and   strong  thy 

claim  ; 
Our  hearts  thrill  at  that  loved  and  honored  name ! 
The  Nation's  glory  and  the  Nation's  pride, 
Revered  through  our  great  Union,  far  and  wide. 
P  or  glorious  patriotism  thou  dost  stand 
The  noblest  spirit  of  our  noble  land  ! 

[Washington's  Birthday  glides  softly  to  her  seat  among  the 
others.     Day  and  Night  turn  the  Calendar  to  April.} 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   69 

Herald  (announcing).      April  Fool's  Day  ! 

(Enter  the  three  little  boys  who  represent  All  Fools''  Day.) 

April  Fool's   Day's    Song  (Air,  "Three   Little   Maids 
From  School "). 

Three  little  April  Fools  are  we, 
Just  as  foolish  as  we  can  be, 
Playing  tricks  in  merry  glee, 

Three  little  April  P'ools. 
One  little  fool  is  roguish  Willie, 
One  is  Tom  and  one  is  Billie ; 
Full  of  fun  and  a  little  bit  silly  — 
Three  little  April  Fools. 
Time. 

April  Fool's  Day,  surely  thou  hast  a  place  ! 
We  love  thy  smiling,  roguish,  merry  face ; 
Thou  standest  for  good  nature,  mirth  and  fun, 
A  day  that  should  appeal  to  every  one. 
All  work  and  no  play  make  a  sad,  dull  boy  ; 
April  Fool's  Day,  thou  addest  to  our  joy  ! 

(The  three  boys  scamper  to  their  places,  laughing  merrily  as 
they  go.) 

(Day  and  Night  turn  Calendar  to  May.) 

Herald.     Memorial  Day  ! 

Memorial  Day's  Song  (Air,  "Marching  Through  Geor- 

Come  and  sing  Memorial  Day  that  honors  our  brave 

dead  ; 
Come  and  sing  the  heroes  who  so  nobly  fought  and 

bled; 
Come  and  lay  the  immortelles  on  every  grassy  bed, 
While  we  remember  our  soldiers. 


70      JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

We  love,  we  love  our  heroes  bold  and  brave; 

We  love,  we  love  each  green  and  hallowed  grave; 

We  love  our  great  and  glorious  flag,  whose  colors 
brightly  wave 

Over  the  graves  of  our  soldiers. 

Time, 

Memorial  Day,  thou'rt  sad  ;  yet  glorious  too, 
Commemorating  both  the  Gray  and  Blue. 
For  Memory  thou  standest !   'tis  a  claim 
That  urges  strongly  thy  fair  right  to  fame. 

(Memorial  Day  glides  sloivly  to  her  place,  and  Day  and 
Night  turn  the  Calendar  to  June.) 

Herald.     Commencement  Day  ! 

Commencement  Day's  Song  (Air,  "A  Wandering  Min- 
strel I"). 

Commencement  Day  am  I,  in  cap  and 

gown  appareled, 
My  college  songs  Fve  caroled, 

My  themes  I  have  declaimed. 
Commencement   Day  am   I,  Fve  my 
diplomas  given, 
The  college  bonds  Fve  riven, 
Commencement  Day  am  I. 
Time. 

Commencement  Day,  with   outlook  fair  and 

bright, 
Toward  a  long  future  stretching  out  of  sight, 
Ambition  is  thy  standard  !     To  our  youth 
Thou  bringest  glorious  strivings  toward  the 
truth. 

(Commencement  Day  boius  prettily  and  takes  her  place  with 
the   others.     Night  and  Day  turn  the   Calendar  to 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   71 

Herald  {with  a  blare  of  his  trumpet).  Independence 
Day! 

Independence  Day's  Song.  {This  song  is  the  "  Star-Span- 
gled Banner ;"  and  may  be  sung  as  a  solo  and  chorus,  or  as 
only  a  chorus,  by  all  on  the  stage.  The  audience  may  rise 
and  sing  also.) 

Tune. 

Hail,  Independence  Day  !     Our  country's  joy  ! 

To  man  or  woman  or  to  girl  or  boy 

Thou  bringest  thrills  of  triumph,  for  we  know 

Of  our  great  liberty  thou  didst  bestow  ! 

May  love  of  country  ever  hold  us  true 

To  our  dear  flag,  our  own  red,  white  and  blue ! 

(Independence  Day  marches  triumphantly  into  place,  and 
Day  and  Night  turn  the  Calendar  to  September.) 

Herald.     Labor  Day  ! 

Labor  Day's  Song  (Hymn  tune,  ^Work,  for  the  Night 
is  Coming  "). 

Work,  for  the  night  is  coming, 

Work  through  the  sunny  noon  j 
Fill  brightest  hours  with  labor, 

Rest  comes  sure  and  soon. 
Give  every  flying  minute 

Something  to  keep  in  store; 
Work,  for  the  night  is  coming, 

When  man  works  no  more. 

Work,  for  the  night  is  coming, 

Under  the  sunset  skies, 
While  their  bright  tints  are  glowing, 

Work,  for  daylight  flies. 


72       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Work  till  the  last  beam  fadeth, 

Fadeth  to  shine  no  more; 
Work  while  the  night  is  dark'ning, 

When  man's  work  is  over. 

Time, 

Grand  Labor  Day,  thy  claim  is  great  indeed  ! 
Work  is  a  solace  to  our  every  need. 
Hail,  Labor  Day  !    Symbol  of  noble  work, 
May  all  obey  thy  law,  and  never  shirk. 

{Labor  Day  sturdily  marches  to  his  place^  and  the  Calenday 
is  turned  to  October. \ 

Herald.     All  Hallow  Eve  ! 

All  Hallow  Eve's   Song  {Air,  "Then  You'll  Remember 
Me  "). 

Though  other  Days  to  you  have  told 

Their  tales  of  what  befell, 
Their  stories  of  brave  deeds  and  bold. 

Of  men  who  labored  well; 
I  tell  to  you  of  future  fate 

That  to  your  lot  may  fall ; 
For  I  am  mystic  Hallowe'en, 

And  I  can  see  it  all  ! 

Time. 

Weird  Hallowe'en,  beloved  by  all  who  peer 
Into  the  future.     Thou'rt  a  mystic  seer, 
And  on  thy  bleak  and  cloudy  Autumn  date 
Thou  standest  for  a  dark,  mysterious  Fate. 

(All  Halloiv  Eve  glides  softly  to  her  place  and  the  Calendar 
is  turned  to  November.) 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR    73 

Herald.     Thanksgiving  Day  ! 

Thanksgiving  Day's  Song  (Air,  "Auld  Lang  Syne  "). 
Thanksgiving  Day,  Thanksgiving  Day, 

Is  full  of  goodly  cheer, 
And  that  is  why  we  say  it  is 
The  best  day  of  the  year. 
The  best  day  of  the  year,  my  dear, 

The  best  day  of  the  year; 
For  all  the  family  gathers  'round 
The  board  of  festal  cheer. 
Time, 

Thanksgiving  Day,  when  thy  dear  name  is  told, 
Our  thoughts  fly  backward  to  the  days  of  old, 
When  our  forefathers  for  their  harvest  fair 
Showed  forth  the  gratitude  thou  dost  declare. 

{Thanksgiving  Day  goes  smilingly  to  her  place.  The  Cal- 
endar is  turned  to  December,  and  a  chime  of  bells  is 
heard  outside.} 

Herald  (in  triumphant  accents,  as  the  Spirit  of  Christ- 
mas enters).     Christmas  Day  ! 

Christmas  Days  Song  (Air,  '■'•The  Kerry  Dancing"'). 
Oh,  the  dawning  of  Christmas  morning  ! 

Oh,  the  breaking  of  Christmas  Day  ! 
Oh,  the  greetings  of  loving  voices, 
Full  of  happiness  glad  and  gay  ! 
"Merry  Christmas,  Merry  Christmas! 
Peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men  !  " 
Thus  the  happy-hearted  children 
Sing  it  o'er  and  o'er  again  ! 

Christmas  happiness,  Christmas  blessedness 

Fill  our  hearts  with  joy  ; 
Oh,  the  dawning  of  Christmas  morning  ! 


74       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Oh,  the  breaking  of  Christmas  Day  ! 
Oh,  the  greetings  of  loving  voices 
Full  of  happiness  glad  and  gay  ! 

Time. 

Hail,  Christmas  Day  !    Spirit  of  Christmas,  hail ! 
Well  dost  thou  of  the  Days  conclude  the  tale. 
What  is  the  meaning  of  thy  greetings  gay  ? 
We  know  they  mean  but  love  on  Christmas  Day. 
What  means  thy  "Peace  on  earth,  good  will  to 

men  "  ? 
'Tis  but  a  manifest  of  love  again. 
And  of  the  graces  which  our  hearts  may  move, 
We  know  the  greatest  of  all  these  is  love  ! 
Birthday  of  Love,  incarnate  and  divine, 
Let  all  the  other  Days  bow  at  thy  shrine! 
Thee  I  award  all  honor,  love  and  praise ; 
To  thee  I  give  the  crown,  O  Day  of  Days. 

[The  Herald  brings  the  crown  on  a  white  satin  cushion^ 
and,  assisted  by  Day  and  Night,  Father  Time  crowns 
Christmas  Day.) 

Final  Chorus  {Air,  "America"), 

Dear  Christmas  Day,  to  thee 
We  gladly  bow  the  knee 

In  loving  praise ; 
Spirit  of  love  thou  art, 
P^nshrined  in  every  heart, 
To  us  thy  joy  impart, 

Greatest  of  Days. 

Birthday  of  love  divine, 

All  Christmas  joys  are  thine, 


THE  GREATEST  DAY  IN  THE  YEAR   75 

Spirit  of  love; 
All  joy  to  thee  we  owe, 
And  may  we  ever  know 
Peace  and  good  will  below 

Like  that  above. 


CURTAIN 


Is  Santa  Claus  a  Fraud 


A  Christmas  Play  for  School  or  Parlor 


Copyright,  igog,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 


Is  Santa  Claus  a  Fraud 


CHARACTERS 

—  Prisoner  at  the  Bar — Santa  Claus.  Regulation  Santa 
Claus  garb  of  fur-trimmed  tunic,  long  white  beard,  etc.  Kind- 
ness and  love  are  more  marked  in  his  face  and  demeanor  than 
jollity  and  merriment. 

Judge — Young  America.  A  boy  of  about  fourteen, wearing 
a  Judge's  zvig  and  gown. 

Counsel  for  the  Prosecution — A  Bachelor.  A  tall 
man,  of  stern  countenance,  wearing  ordinary  citizen's  dress. 

History.  College  cap  and  gown,  with  a  long  roll  of  parch- 
ment or  a  large  volume. 

Father  Time.  White  robe.  Long  white  beard  and  fore- 
lock.     Scythe  and  hour-glass. 

The  Sandman.  A  brown  robe  and  cowl  like  a  monk's  garb. 
He  carries  a  bag  of  sand,  and  wears  a  poppy  as  a  boutonniere. 

Pierrot.      Conventional  costume  of  white  with  black  rosettes. 

Poetry.  Young  girl  in  filmy  white.  Wreath  of  laurel 
leaves  on  her  head  and  gilt  lyre  in  her  hands. 

Tradition.  Veiled  figure  clad  in  misty  garb  of  thin,  smoke- 
colored  material.  Much  veiling  drapery,  and  face  only  faintly 
discernible. 

Folk-Lore.  Fantastic  garb  which  combines  hints  of  any  or 
all  nations,  but  not  modern. 

Dame  Rumor.  Fantastic  costume  with  "  a  thousand 
tongues  "  cut  from  red  flannel  and  sewed  all  over  her  gown. 
Peaked  hat  and  general  witchlike  effect. 

79 


80  CHARACTERS 

Usher.  Picturesque  costume,  with  cape  slung  from  one 
shoulder,  and  scarf  diagonally  across  breast. 

Mistletoe.  A  Herald  in  page's  costume,  carrying  a 
trumpet  with  a  banner  hanging  from  it.  He  is  dressed  in 
white  and  gold,  decorated  with  mistletoe. 

Doll.  A  pretty  little  girl  dressed  to  represent  a  doll.  A 
big  shirred  silk  bonnet,  socks,  etc.  She  must  walk  stiffly  like  a 
jointed  doll. 

One  of  the  Chorus  of  Waits.  He  may  be  attired  like  a 
surpliced  choir-boy  or  as  one  of  the  English  Christmas  waits. 

Saint  Valentine.  He  is  dressed  in  long,  flowing  robes 
which  are  decorated  with  red  and  gold  hearts,  darts,  etc.  He 
carries,  suspended  from  his  shoulder,  a  post-bag  overflowing 
with  valentines,  and  in  one  hand  he  has  a  stuffed  dove. 

Holly.  Like  Mistletoe,  except  that  he  is  in  red  and  white 
decorated  with  holly. 

Chorus  of  Children.  In  nightgowns  or  little  dressing 
gowns,  with  tumbled  hair,  and  bare  feet  or  bedroom  slippers. 
Each  carries  a  well-filled  stocking. 

Counsel  for  the  Defendant — a  Father.  A  stout,  jolly, 
kind-faced  man,  wearing  ordinary  citizen's  dress,  but  of  more 
informal  type  than  the  Bachelor's. 

Mother  Goose.  Quilted  petticoat  and  pointed  bodice. 
High-heeled  red  slippers.  Peaked  hat,  many  ribbons  and  orna- 
ments. 

Fairy.  Usual  spangled  costume.  Gilt  crown  and  wand. 
Wings. 

Jack-o'-Lantern.  Green  "  Robin  Hood "  costume,  and 
large  paper  pumpkin  made  to  fit  over  the  head.  Light  of  some 
kind  inside  it,  if  possible. 

May  Queen.  White  frock  garlanded  with  flowers.  Crown 
of  flowers  and  long  scepter. 

Crier,      Severe  costume  of  black,  with  high,  white  collar. 


CHARACTERS  81 

Goddess  of  Liberty.     Regulation  costume  of  Columbia* 

April     Fool.      Costume    of    court   jester.      He    carries    a 
"  bauble"  and  wears  a  fool's  cap  and  bells. 

Jack  Frost.     Red-cheeked  boy  in  zuhtte,  dotted  with  tufts  of 
cotton  wool  and  sprinkled  with  bits  of  silver  tinsel. 


Is  Santa  Claus  a  Fraud 


SCENE. — A  courtroom.  The  Judge's  bench,  with  a  canopy 
overhead,  is  at  the  back  of  the  stage.  On  one  side  is  the 
Jury  box.  On  the  other  side  the  Counsel  *s  desks  and  the 
witness  box.  Seats  may  be  arranged  at  convenience  for 
the  Choruses  who  enter,  or  they  may  sit  in  groups  upon  the 
floor,  or  stand.  A  prominent  chair  is  placed  for  the 
Prisoner  at  the  Bar,  and  his  two  Heralds,  or  Pages, 
stand,  one  at  each  side  of  him. 

(  Curtain  rises,  disclosing  the  Counsel  writing  at  their  desks, 
and  the  Usher  and  Crier  standing  about.') 

Crier  (stalking  up  and  doivn). 

Hear  ye  !     Hear  ye  !     One  and  all ! 
Gathered  in  this  Justice  Hall. 
Now  the  time  and  this  the  place 
For  the  trial  of  this  case. 

Usker  (pompously). 

And  that  there  may  be  no  mistake, 

I  now  will  this  announcement  make  : 

That  Santa  Claus,  the  Prisoner, 

Is  accused  of  being  a  fake  ! 

And  so,  in  this  great  Justice  Hall 

We'll  settle  the  question  once  for  all, 

Beyond  all  possible  doubts  and  fears, 

By  a  Jury  of  his  peers ! 
Crier. 

As  everybody  hears  ! 

By  a  Jury  of  his  peers ! 

83 


84       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Counsel  for  the  Prosecution  {as  if  soliloquizing). 
I  am  the  Counsel  for  the  Prosecution. 
I  say  this  Santa  Claus,  as  people  call  him, 
Is  nothing  but  a  fake  and  an  impostor; 
A  made-up  name;  a  make-believe  invention! 
And  I  shall  prove  this  by  a  legal  trial, 
And  bring  on  him  a  well-deserved  sentence. 

Counsel  for  the  Defendant  {in  a  happy,  satisfied  tone) 
I'm  the  Defendant's  Counsel, 

And  somehow,  it  seems  to  me, 
I'll  prove  that  my  learned  opponent 

Is  as  wrong  as  he  can  be  ! 
And  Santa  Claus,  my  client, 

From  bonds  shall  soon  be  free  ! 

Usher. 

The  Prisoner  shall  now  be  tried, 
And  by  the  verdict  we'll  abide. 
So  bring  the  Judge  and  Jury  in, 
And  let  the  case  begin. 

Crier. 

It  is  ten  by  all  the  clocks  ! 
Jury  !    Jury  !  to  your  box  ! 

{Enter  Father  Time.) 

Usher.  What  is  your  name  ? 

Time.  'Tis  Father  Time. 

Usher.  How  old  are  you  ? 

Time.  I'm  in  my  prime. 

Counsel  for  Prosecution. 

Can  you  unbiased  judgment  make 
As  to  whether  Santa  Claus  is  a  fake? 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    85 

Time. 

Ay,  that  I  can  !     My  advancing  years 
Make  me  the  foremost  of  his  peers. 

Counsel  for  Defendant. 

What  mean  you  by  that  ?    Tell  us  now,  I  pray, 
Who  are  the  peers  of  Santa  Claus  to-day  ? 

Time.  We,  the  Jury,  are  the  peers  of  Santa  Claus 
because  we  are  types  or  emblems,  but  we  are  not  fakes  ! 
Nor  yet  are  we  flesh-and-blood  mortals.  I,  Father 
Time,  represent  the  years  as  they  roll,  the  centuries  as 
they  pass.  I  have  the  wisdom  of  the  ages — past,  pres- 
ent and  future. 

I  take  my  place.    The  Jury's  Foreman,  I. 
This  case,  I  swear,  we'll  well  and  truly  try. 

{Goes  into  Jury  box  and  takes  his  place  as  Foreman.") 

Usher. 

Father  Time,  we  welcome  you  ; 
Enter,  enter,  Number  Two  ! 

{Crier  admits  Mother  Goose.) 

Mother  Goose  (courtesying  to  audience). 

Behold  me,  friends !     My  name  is  Mother 

Goose. 
Am  I  a  fake  ?    Not  I !    You  know  me  well. 
I  am  an  emblem  of  the  nursery  ; 
Spirit  of  merry  rhyme,  of  jingling  verse, 
The  laugh  of  children  and  the  baby's  prattle, 
Toot  of  a  horn  or  shaking  of  a  rattle. 
I  have  known  Santa  Claus  for  many  years  ; 
Well  shall  I  grace  the  Jury  of  his  peers  ! 

{Goes  proudly  and  with  a  triumphant  air  into  the  Jury  box.) 


86       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Usher. 

Merry  Spirit  of  Nursery  Lore, 
Hail  to  thee  and  thy  precious  store  ! 

Crier. 

Next — upon  the  panel  come  ! 

'Tis  the  Sandman — ho  ! — ha  ! — hum  ! 

(Crier  yawns  prodigiously  at  sight  of  Sandman.) 

Usher  (yawning  also).     The  Sandman  ! 

Sand/nan  (mischievously  scattering  sand  in  eyes  of  both 
Counsel,  who  yawn  and  almost  drop  to  sleep). 
I  am  the  Sandman.     Every  night 
I  come  to  the  children  with  eyes  so  bright; 
And  as  they  merrily  romp  or  sing, 
Into  their  eyes  my  sand  I  fling. 
A  handful  here,  and  a  handful  there, 
As  I  see  the  children  anywhere, 
Till  their  eyelids  droop  and  their  bright  eyes 

blink, 
And  they  can't  keep  awake,  though  they 

wink  and  wink  ! 
They  yawn  and  stretch  and  nod  their  heads, 
And  they're  glad  to  tumble  into  their  beds. 
Oh,  the  Sandman,  Spirit  of  Sleep,  am  I, 
The  soothing  Spirit  of  Lullaby. 

(In  a  slow,  drowsy  manner  he  walks  into  the  Jury  box  and 
almost  falls  asleep  himself.) 

Usher  (rubbing  his  eyes  and  waking  up). 

Sweet  Spirit  of  Sleep,  right  welcome  be  ; 
And  take  your  place  as  Number  Three. 
Prithee,  now,  let  Number  Four 
£iiter  at  our  courtroom  door. 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    87 

Crier  (announcing).     Pierrot ! 

{Enter  Pierrot,  dancing  gayly  in.     As  he  talks  he  pirouettes 
about  the  stage.) 

Pierrot. 

Hoop-la  !     Tra-la-la  !     Look  at  me  ! 

The  Spirit  of  Amusement  see  ! 

Ho,  ho,  ho  !  and  Tee-he-he  ! 

Tra-la-la,  la-la-la,  tra-la-lee  ! 

I  am  Pierrot,  glad  and  gay, 

I  dance  a  whirl  and  I  trill  a  lay  ! 

Around  I  go, 

On  tippy-tiptoe  ! 
Rollicking,  frolicking  Pierrot  ! 
The  Spirit  of  Laughter,  Mirth  and  Fun, 
Who  loves  Pierrot  ?     {Pauses.) 

Every  one  ! 

(Claps  his  hands  and  then  dances,  still  laughing,  into  the 
"Jury  box.) 

Usher. 

Welcome  to  you  and  your  smiling  face, 
Pierrot,  Pierrot,  take  your  place  ! 

Crier. 

Ah,  who's  this  would  enter  now  ? 
Maiden  with  the  flower-decked  brow, 
{Bowing  low  and  announcing.) 
The  Queen  of  May  ' 

{Enter  May  ghteen,  scattering  flowers  and  waving  her 
scepter.) 

May  ghieen. 

I  am  the  May  Queen,  Spirit  of  Spring  ! 
Garlands  of  blossoms  and  buds  I  bring. 


88       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Joy  of  the  sunshine  and  balm  of  the  showers, 
Song  of  the  birds  and  scent  of  the  flowers. 
I  am  the  May  Queen  !     Queen  of  the  year  ! 
Surely  of  Santa  Claus  I  am  a  peer. 
I'm  not  a  mortal — nor  am  I  a  fake  ! 
I  am  an  emblem  of  spring  for  spring's  sake. 
Spirit  of  Springtime,  blithesome  and  gay; 
May  I  come  in  ?     I  am  Queen  o'  the  May  ! 

Usher  {bowing  low  before  her). 

Queen  of  the  May,  your  praises  we  sing, 
Honor  the  Jury  box,  Spirit  of  Spring  ! 

{Queen  of  May  goes  to  fury  box  ;  then  Usher,  Crier  and 
Counsel  all  shiver  as  ivith  cold.) 

Crier. 

Br-r-rh  !   but  I  feel  a  draught  of  cold  air! 
Enter  next  Juryman.     Well,  I  declare  ! 

(Announcing  ivith  chattering  teeth.) 
J-Jack  F-Frost  ! 

{Enter  "Jack  Frost.) 

"Jack  Frost  {capering  about,  and  bloiving  on  his  fingers^  OS 
if  nearly  frozen). 

I  am  Jack  Frost,  cold  and  crisp  ! 
Elusive  as  a  Will  o'  the  Wisp. 
In  my  presence  fingers  tingle  ! 
{Jury  and  all  others  blow  on  their  tingling  fingen  2nd 
rub  their  ears.) 

Snowballs  fly,  and  sleighbells  jingle, 
Children  shout  with  voices  merry, 
Cheeks  grow  red  as  rose  or  cherry. 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    89 

Oh,  the  joys  of  Jack  Frost's  staying  ! 
'  Snowballs,  skating,  coasting,  sleighing  ! 

I'm  the  Spirit  of  Winter,  yes  ! 
'    Peer  of  Santa  Claus  ?     Well,  I  guess  ! 

(As  'he  goes  to  'Jury  box  he  throws  snowballs  made  of  cotton 
■    wool  at  Usher  and  Counsel.) 

Usher. 

Right  you  are  !    Jack  Frost  we  greet ! 
In  the  Jury  box  take  a  seat. 

Crier. 

Ho  !     My  Gracious  !     What  is  this  ? 
Walk  right  in,  my  dainty  Miss  ! 

(Enter   Doll,   walking    very   stiffly   and   staring   straight 
ahead.) 

Doll. 

I  am  the  Spirit  of  Childhood  Days, 
I  am  the  Spirit  of  Childhood  Ways. 
Whether  I'm  China  or  Bisque  of  the  best  j 
Whether  I'm  ragged  or  daintily  dressed  ; 
Whether  of  wax  or  of  kid  I  am  made  ; 
Whether  of  worsted  I'm  knit  or  crocheted  j 
Whether  I  open  and  shut  my  eyes; 
(Does  this,  doll-fashion.) 

Whether  I'm  tiny,  or  largest  size  ; 
Even  of  rubber  or  celluloid  ; 
Even  if  broken  and  half  destroyed  ; 
Always  the  children  take  my  part, 
Always  I'm  dear  to  the  childish  heart. 
Mine  is  the  love,  devotion  and  care 
Of  affectionate  children  everywhere. 
The  beautiful  Spirit  of  Childhood  am  L 
May  I  be  a  Juryman  ?     Let  me  try  ! 


9o      JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

{IValks  stiffly  to  'Jury  box,  and  sits  down  after  the  manner 
of  a  jointed  doll.} 

Usher. 

Walk  in,  Fair  One  with  Golden  Locks; 
Take  your  seat  in.  the  Jury  box. 

Crier. 

My  goodness  me  !     I'm  surely  scared  ! 
Who  are  you,  sir  ?     How  have  you  dared  ? 

[Enter  fack-o '-Lantern  with  a  mad  rush.} 

Jack-o'-Lantern. 

I'm  Jack-o'-Lantern  !     Sure,  you've  seen 

The  mystic  Spirit  of  Hallowe'en. 

Black  Cats  and  Witches  and  big-eyed  Owls 

Go  with  me  on  my  midnight  prowls! 

I  bob  for  apples,  and  corn  I  pop, 

And  melted  lead  into  water  drop. 

I  roast  the  apples  and  chestnuts,  too; 

Mad  pranks  are  mine,  ere  I  am  through  ! 

Hints  of  the  Future  from  signs  I  glean, 

I'm  the  Mystic  Spirit  of  Hallowe'en  ! 

[lie  goes  to  fury  box  with  stealthy  steps  and  uttering  hol- 
low groans.) 

Usher. 

Welcome,  good  Jack-o'-Lantern.     Pray 
Use  well  your  mystic  lore  to-day. 

Crier  {clasping  his  hands  over  hi;  heart  and  looking  senti- 
mental'). 

Ah,  here  comes  Saint  Valentine  ! 
Lovers  worship  at  his  shrine. 

{Enter  Saint  Valentine.) 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    91 

Saint  Valentine. 

Aye,  Saint  Valentine  am  I ; 
As  the  years  go  flitting  by, 
To  fond  lovers'  vows  I  listen, 
Beating  hearts  and  eyes  that  glisten; 
Roses  red  and  love  knots  blye, 
Tender  promises  and  true, 

Rings  and  posies, 

Rhymes  and  roses, 
Hearts  and  darts  and  loves  and  doves, 
Faded  blossoms,  cherished  gloves  — 
Those  who  love,  and  those  alone 
These  fair  properties  may  own. 
Spirit  of  True  Lovers'  Vows, 
'Tis  their  Patron  Saint  who  bows. 

(Bows  elaborately  and  then  proceeds  with  stately  step  to  the 
Jury  box.} 

Usher. 

Welcome  here,  Saint  Valentine  ; 
To  your  place  as  Number  Nine. 

Crier. 

Who's  this  being,  small  and  bright? 
Come  in,  little,  tricksy  sprite. 

{Enter  Fairy,  waving  star-tipped  wand.) 

Fairy. 

A  Fairy  I — no  mortal ; 
I  hovered  near  your  portal, 
And  gayly  flying  round  and  round 
I  heard  a  busy,  buzzing  sound, 
1       A  sort  of  humming  chatter. 
To  see  what  was  the  matter, 


9?       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

I  wafted  downward  to  this  place, 
And  now,  they  say,  I'm  on  this  case  ! 
I'm  the  Spirit  of  Fairyland,  you  see, 
So  they  say  this  Jury's  the  place  for  me  \ 

(She  hovers  over  to  the  "Jury  box?) 

Usher, 

Indeed  it  is,  dear  Fairy, 

And  we  are  glad — oh,  very  ! — 

To  our  Jury  box  to  welcome  you, 

One*of  our  Twelve,  so  good  and  true. 

Crier. 

Well,  who  is  this  merry  chap  ? 
Jingling  bells  and  motley  cap. 

{Enter  April  Fool,   capering  about,  and  springing  c  red 
balloon  or  other  toy  from  an  elastic  cord.} 


:  i 


April  Fool. 

I'm  April  Fool !     You  should  have  guessed 

Spirit  of  the  Harmless  Jest. 

Oh,  the  merry  jokes  I  spring, 

Till  I  make  my  capbells  ring  1 

All  the  year  my  plans  I  make, 

And  with  silent  laughter  shake. 

First  of  April.     Then's  the  fun  ! 

Spirit  of  Jesting  ?     I'm  the  one  ! 

(He  frolicks  to  his  seat  in  the  Jury  box,  teasing  the  others 
as  he  goes.} 

Usher. 

April  Fool,  thou  merry  guest, 
A  place  for  you  among  the.  rest ! 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    93 

Crier  {thrilled  with  admiration). 

But  who  comes  hefe  ?    A  goddess  great! 
Known  and  beloved  in  every  state. 
Ho!   ring  the  bells,  and  tune  the  pipes, 
We  welcome  now  the  Stars  and  Stripes  ! 

{Enter  Goddess  of  Liberty,  to  patriotic  music  if  possible.) 

Goddess  of  Liberty  {  proudly). 

I  am  the  Goddess  of  Liberty  !     Yea, 
Spirit  of  Freedom,  I'm  living  to-day 
In  the  hearts  of  all  citizens  loyal  and  true, 
Who  honor  and  cherish  the  Red,  White  and 

Blue! 
A  fake?   V"  o  dare  say  it  ?    A  mortal?    Oh,  no! 
But  real  an^  living  in  warm  hearts  that  glow 
With  the  Patriot  Spirit,  with  love  of  their  land, 
'Neath   the  Star-Spangled   Banner  united  we 
stand  ! 

( Waving  the  fag  she  fnarches  tc  the  fury  box  and  sits 
down,  draping  the  fag  about  her.) 

Usher. 

Hurrah  for  the  Goddess  of  Liberty  !  '  Then 
For  the  Spirit  of  Freedom,  hurrah  once  again  ! 

{All  cheer.) 

Usher  {after  counting  the  fury). 

The  Jury  is  assembled, 

'Tis  very  well  selected ; 
We  now  await  our  honored  Judge, 

Well-loved  and  much  respected. 


94       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Crier  {in  stentorian  tones). 

Silence  in  the  Courthouse  ! 

The  Judge  is  drawing  near! 
In  all  the  dignity  of  state 
His  Honor  will  appear  ! 

All.     Let  him  appear ! 

{Enter  Judge.) 

Crier  {announcing).     His  Honor,  the  Judge  !     Young 
America  ! 

All.    Hail  to  the  Judge  ! 

Hail,  Young  America  ! 

Judge  {very  pompous  and  dignified,  but  with  a  boyish 
twinkle  in  his  eye).      Hello  yourself ' 

All.      Hello ! 

{Judge  walks  with  stately  strides,  and  takes  his  scat  on  the 
bench.) 

Chorus  {Air,  "Auld  Lang  Syne  "). 

Behold  our  Judge,  in  gown  and  wig, 

Our  Young  America; 
And  though  you  are  not  very  big, 

We  do  you  homage,  sir  ! 
{All  boiv  to  him.     Judge  gravely  boius.) 
You  are  not  very  wise,  my  dear, 

You  are  not  very  old  ; 
But  you've  a  mind  that's  bright  and  clear, 

And  you've  a  heart  of  gold. 

Soto  by  Judge  {Air,  "Ruler  of  the  ghteens  Navee,"  from 
"'  r>inafore  "). 

I'm  Young  America,  and  I'm  the  Judge, 
And  from  my  bench  I  will  not  budge 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    95 

Till  we  settle  this  question  on  the  spot, 
If  Santa  Claus  is  a  fake  or  not  ! 

All.    If  Santa  Claus  is  a  fake  or  not  ! 

Judge. 

We'll  hear  what  the  witnesses  have  to  say, 
And  reach  a  decision  without  delay. 

All.    We'll  hear  what  the  witnesses  have  to  say, 
And  reach  a  decision  without  delay. 

Judge  {second  stanza). 

Now,  Young  America  everywhere 

Is  always  just  and  always  fair; 

So  we'll  hear  all  the  evidence  pro  and  con 

And  all  the  observations  that  are  made  thereon. 

All.    And  all  the  observations  that  are  made  thereon. 

Judge. 

And  thus  the  truth  we  can  soon  find  out 
Beyond  the  slightest  shadow  of  a  doubt,  doubt, 
doubt. 

All.    And  thus  the  truth  we  can  soon  find  out 

Beyond  the  slightest  shadow  of  a  doubt,  doubt, 
doubt. 

Judge. 

Now  the  trial  will  begin  ; 

Let  the  Prisoner  be  brought  in  ! 

Usher.     The  Prisoner  comes  !     We  wait  him  here  ! 
Crier.     Silence,     .  !      Prisoner,  appear  ! 

{Enter  Procession  escorting  Santa  Claus.  First  enter  two 
Heralds.  They  advance  to  front  of  stage,  and  blow 
their  trumpets,  to  herald  the  arrival  of  Santa  Claus.) 


96       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Duet  by  Holly  and  Mistletoe  (Air,  "Annie  Rooney  "). 
Together.     We  are  Santa's  Heralds,  oh  ! 
Holly  (bowing).      I  am  Holly  ! 
Mistletoe  (bowing).      Mistletoe  ! 

Together. 

'Tis  our  duty  trumpets  to  blow  ! 

Santa  Claus  is  coming  !    What,  ho!    What,  ho! 

(Heralds  march  to  both  ends  of  stage,  in  front,  and  remain 
there  until  Prisoner  appears.) 

(Enter  Chorus  of  Christmas  Waits.  They  chant  the  fol- 
lowing Old  English  Carol,  or  any  modern  Christmas 
Carol  that  may  be  chosen.) 

God  rest  you,  merry  gentlemen, 

Let  nothing  you  dismay, 
For  Jesus  Christ,  our  Savior, 

Was  born  upon  this  day 
To  save  us  all  from  Satan's  povv'r 
When  we  were  gone  astray. 
Oh,  tidings  of  comfort  and  joy  ! 
For  Jesus  Christ,  our  Savior, 
Was  born  on  Christmas  Day. 

In  Bethlehem  in  Jewry, 

This  blessed  Babe  was  born, 
And  laid  within  a  manger 

Upon  this  blessed  morn  ; 
The  which  His  mother,  Mary, 
Nothing  did  take  in  s  *orn. 

Oh,  tidings  of  comfort  and  joy  ! 
Por  Jesus  Christ,  our  Savior, 
Was  born  on  Christmas  Day. 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD    97 

{The  Waits ,  after  singings  go  to  the  places  assigned  them 
and  remain  on  the  staged) 

{Enter  Children  with  Christmas  stockings.') 

Chorus  {Air,  "For  He's  a  Jolly  Good  Fellow  "). 
Last  night  when  we  were  sleeping 
Some  one  came,  softly  creeping, 
All  sorts  of  goodies  heaping 

Into  our  stockings  here. 

See  in  our  stockings  here, 

All  sorts  of  Christmas  cheer ! 
Oh,  get  up,  'tis  Christmas  morning, 
Get  up,  'tis  Christmas  morning, 
Get  up,  'tis  Christmas  morning, 

And  Santa  Claus  is  here  ! 

{The  Children  are  half  sleepy,  but  rouse  each  other  to  look. 
at  their  toys,  etc.  After  singing  the  Children  take  the 
places  assigned  to  them  and  remain  on  the  stage.) 

{Sleighbells  are  heard  outside,  snowballs  are  thrown  in  at 
the  door.) 

{Enter  Santa  Claus  in  a  bustle  of  cheery  welcome.  His 
Heralds  fly  to  meet  him.) 

Chorus  {by  Christmas  Waits  and  Children  with  stock- 
ings, as  they  gather  around  Santa  Claus.  Air,  "Jingle 
Bells  "). 

Waits  and  Children. 

Jingle  Bells  !    Jingle  Bells  ! 

Santa  Claus  is  here  ! 
Oh,  what  fun  when  Christmas  comes, 
The  best  day  of  the  year. 


98       JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

All  on  Stage. 

Jingle  Bells  !    Jingle  Bells  ! 

Jingle  all  the  way. 
Santa  Claus  is  sure  to  bring 
A  merry  Christmas  Day. 

{Repeat  ad  lib.  During  the  Chorus  Santa  Claus  has  stood 
in  the  center  of  the  stage,  smiling  benignly.} 

Solo  by  Santa  Claus  {Air,  "  Captain  Jinks  "). 

I'm  Santa  Claus,  and  I've  come  to  stay, 
I  wish  you  Merry  Christmas  Day  ; 
I'm  not  afraid  of  what  "  they  say," 

For  I'm  Santa  Claus,  as  ever. 
And  if  they  say  I  am  a  fake, 

Me  !    A  fake  !    {Laughing.) 
Ho  !     A  fake  !     {Laughing.) 
They  make  a  very  big  mistake  ! 
For  I'm  Santa  Claus,  as  ever. 
I'm  Santa  Claus,  and  I've  come  to  stay, 
I  bring  you  Merry  Christmas  Day, 
I'm  not  afraid  of  what  "they  say  "  ! 
For  I'm  Santa  Claus,  as  ever ! 

{Santa  Claus  pats  and  caresses  some  of  the  children,  then 
they  return  to  their  places  and  he  takes  his  place  at  the 
bar.) 

Counsel  for  Prosecution  {gravely). 

Prisoner,  this  accusation  I  must  make; 
They  say,  oh,  Santa  Claus,  you  are  a  fake. 

Santa  Claus  {laughing). 

A  fake  !     I  ?    Santa  Claus  ?     Ho  !   ho  ! 
But  that  must  be  a  joke,  I  know  ! 

Counsel  for  Defendant.      No  joke  at  all  ! 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD         99 

Santa  Claus. 

I  have  no  fears, 

Tried  by  a  Jury  of  my  Peers. 

(Santa  Claus  bows  smilingly  to  Jury.) 

Judge.     What  is  your  name  ? 

Santa  Claus.     Santa  Claus. 

Judge.  And  a  jolly  name,  too  !  It  makes  my  heart 
feel  all  merry  and  Christmassy.  How  does  it  affect  you, 
children  ? 

Waits  and  Children.  Oh,  it  makes  us  feel  happy 
and  jolly  and  Christmassy  ! 

One  Child.     And  good. 

Another.     And  kind. 

Another.     And  loving. 

Another.  It  makes  me  feel  as  if  I  wanted  to  give 
things  to  everybody. 

Judge.  Yes,  that's  the  way  it  makes  me  feel,  just 
to  hear  the  name  of  Santa  Claus. 

Counsel  for  Prosecution.  But  this  trial  must  proceed 
without  further  comment  on  the  Prisoner's  name. 

Judge  (sighing).     It's  a  very  trying  situation. 

Santa  Claus.     You're  not  half  so  much  tried  as  I  am. 

Judge.  You  see  I'm  so  awf'ly  fond  of  you,  Santa 
Claus,  that  I  hate  to  have  the  trial  go  on,  for  fear  you'll 
be  pronounced  guilty.     You  see  I  love  you. 

Children.      We  love  him,  too  ! 

Jury.     We  love  him,  too  ! 

Counsel  for  Prosecution  (to  Judge).  Your  Honor,  do 
not  be  biased  by  undue  affection.  Remember  that  Love 
is  blind. 


ioo     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Counsel  for  Defendant.  Your  Honor,  do  not  be  biased 
by  undue  legality.      Remember  that  Justice  is  blind. 

fudge.  I  seem  to  be  blind  in  both  eyes.  Prisoner 
at  the  Bar,  the  eye  of  Justice  being  blind  I  cannot  see 
your  guilt ;  the  eye  of  Love  being  blind  I  cannot  see 
my  way  clear  to  exonerating  you.  Therefore  I  cannot 
pronounce  sentence. 

Counsel  for  Prosecution.  Your  early  education  must 
have  been  neglected  !  Sentence  is  not  a  hard  word  to 
pronounce;   I'll  pronounce  it  for  you. 

fudge.  Not  much  you  won't  !  You  can't  pronounce 
it  right  yourself !  But  I  can't  make  any  more  speeches. 
I  pass  the  make  over  to  the  witnesses. 

Crier. 

Hear  ye  !     Hear  ye  !     One  and  all 
Gathered  in  this  Justice  Hall  ! 
Let  the  witnesses  appear. 
We  their  evidence  will  hear, 
Witness  con  and  witness  pro; 
Thus  the  truth  we'll  shortly  know. 

All.    Thus  the  truth  we'll  shortly  know. 

Counsel  for  Prosecution. 

I  am  the  Counsel  for  the  Prosecution; 

I  call,  as  witness  for  my  cause,  Dame  Rumor. 

"Judge,     Is  the  lady  present  ? 

Usher.     Your  Honor,  she  is  always  present. 

Crier. 

Dame  Rumor,  now  I  call ; 
Enter  the  Justice  Hal). 

(Enter  Dame  Rumor.) 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD        101 

Dame  Rumor  {talking  fast). 

Although  my  thousand  tongues  are  all  a-chatter, 
I  have  come  here  to  witness  in  this  matter. 
As  sure  as  I  stand  here  upon  this  roster, 
The  Prisoner's  a  fake  and  an  impostor. 

Children.      No!     No!! 

Dame  Rumor.      He  is  not  real,  he  is  not  true  ! 

Children.     Neither  are  you  ! 

Dame  Rumor.      He  is  not  what  he  seems  to  be. 

yury.     Neither  are  we  ! 

Crier.     Silence  in  Court ! 

Counsel  for  Prosecution  (frowning  at  the  Children,  who 
are  stirring  about  and  whispering  in  their  indignation). 
Those  little  ones  annoy  me,  I  must  own  ! 
I  am  a  bachelor  and  live  alone. 
I  have  no  home,  no  fireside  and  no  children, 
And  so  those  little  voices  are  bewilderin'. 

(Murmurs,  '•'•Poor  man  !     Poor  man  I  ") 

Crier.     All  children  leave  the  courtroom  ! 

fudge.     No  !     I  forbid  it !     Children,  stay  where  you 


are. 


Solo  and  Chorus  (Air,  '•'•Laddie  "). 
Solo  by  fudge. 

Oh,  Santa's  the  friend  of  the  children, 

As  every  one  knows  to-day  ; 
He  fills  all  our  stockings  on  Christmas  Eve, 

Then  silently  slips  away0 
He  brings  us  our  Christmas  trees  aiso, 

With  presents  for  every  child; 
And  when  Rumor  accused  him  of  being  a  fake 

Old  Santa  Claus  only  smiled. 


102     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Chorus  by  Children. 

Oh,  Santa,  Santa,  Santa, 
Oh,  tell  us  it  isn't  true  ! 

For  years  and  years 

We  have  been  your  dears, 
And  we've  always  believed  In  you  ! 

And  every  year 

You  bring  Christmas  cheer, 
And  we've  always  believed  in  you  ! 

Santa  Claus  {smiling  kindly  at  the  Children).  Not 
guilty  ! 

Dame  Rumor  {angrily).  Believe  him  not  !  There  is 
no  such  person  as  Santa  Claus  ! 

Counsel  for  Prosecution.  My  witness  has  well  spoken  ! 
The  voice  of  Rumor  is  everywhere  heard  and  believed. 
Repeated  by  her  thousand  tongues,  who  can  doubt  the 
truth  of  her  statements  ?  Your  Honor  will  please  sen- 
tence the  Prisoner  at  once. 

Counsel  for  Defendant. 

Stay  !     Not  so  fast !     These  are  but  the 

beginnings  ! 
And,  if  you  please,  I  now  will  take  my 

innings. 
I'm  the   Defendant's  Counsel.     By  your 

leave, 
A  hearing  our  side  also  must  receive. 
I  call  my  witnesses  to  testify, 
And  on  their  honesty  you  may  rely. 

Judge. 

Well,  yes,  I  rather  guess  the  other  side 
Must  have  a  hearing  ere  this  case  is  tried. 
Call  in  the  witnesses  as  quick  as  wink  ! 
The  Prisoner'll  be  convicted — I  don't  think  ! 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD   103 

Usher.     For  the  defense,  first  witness  now  appear  ! 
Crier.      History  !     Come  !      For  you  are  summoned 
here  ! 

{Enter  History.) 

History  {with  scholarly  effect,  looking  over  roll  or  book). 
I  am  History.     I  record 
Kings  that  reigned  and  tribes  that  warred, 
Thrones  that  fell  and  States  that  rose, 
Victories  over  mighty  foes, 
Heroes  faithful  to  their  trust, 
Traitors  groveling  in  the  dust. 
And  upon  my  rolls,  forsooth, 
Is  recorded  naught  but  truth. 
So,  when  on  my  trusty  screed 
Tales  of  Santa  Claus  you  read, 
'Tis  a  proof,  as  you  may  see, 
Of  his  truth  and  verity. 
Not  a  fake,  and  not  a  man, 
But,  since  Christendom  began, 
Type  of  Charity  and  Love 
Shown  on  earth,  but  born  above, 
Manifest  in  kindly  cheer 
At  this  season  of  the  year. 
Loving  heart  and  loving  mind, 
Willing  gifts  and  greetings  kind; 
If  these  in  your  heart  you  see, 
You  a  Santa  Claus  may  be. 

Judge. 

Jurymen,  this  sounds  all  right. 
Is  the  next  one  yet  in  sight  ? 

(History  takes  seat  and  remains  on  stage.) 

<   ( 


104    JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Crier. 

Ho  !    Tradition,  prithee  come  ! 
Add  your  witness  to  the  sum. 

{Enter  Tradition.) 
Tradition. 

I  am  Tradition.     Look  on  me, 
Though  my  face  you  vaguely  see ; 
Know,  then,  'tis  the  truth  it  saith, 
Sworn  to  by  the  ages'  faith. 
From  long  past  my  legends  tell 
Santa  Claus's  story  well: 
Not  a  man,  nor  yet  a  myth, 
Mortals'  kin,  nor  fairies  kith  ; 
But  the  everlasting  cheer 
In  our  hearts  from  year  to  year, 
Blossoming  bright  on  Christmas  Day, 
Spirit  of  the  Glad  and  Gay. 

Judge. 

That  is  all  right !     Tradition,  you're  a  brick  ! 
Call  the  next  witness,  Crier;  call  her  quick! 

(Tradition  goes  and  sits  beside  History.) 
Crier. 

Poetry,  come  !     His  Honor  summons  you  ; 
Let  us  now  hear  your  testimony  true. 

(Enter  Poetry.) 

Poetry  (touching  her  lyre  as  she  speaks). 
I  am  Poetry,  sweet  and  fair, 
Noble  numbers  are  my  share  ; 
Tuneful  harps  by  me  are  strung, 
Golden  strains  by  me  are  sung. 
On  my  pages  you  may  read 
Songs  of  Santa  Claus.     Indeed, 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD   105 

Many  of  my  fairest  lays 
Tell  of  him  and  sing  his  praise. 
Poetry  thus  can  witness  give, 
Ever  Santa  Claus  shall  live. 

Judge. 

Poetry,  I'm  fond  of  you  at  last  ! 

I  have  misjudged  you  in  the  past. 

I  didn't  like  you  overmuch, 

But  now— I  think  you  beat  the  Dutch  ! 

Your  testimony  is  O.  K. ! 

Bring  the  next  witness,  Crier,  pray. 

{Poetry  goes  and  sits  with  the  others.) 
Crier. 

Folk-Lore,  we  wait  your  pleasure.     Pray 

appear. 
Your  testimony  may  be  useful  here. 

(Enter  Folk-Lore.) 
Folk-Lore. 

Culled  from  many  scenes  and  ages 
Folk-Lore  shows  delightful  pages. 
Santa  Claus  ?     Oh,  yes,  he's  there; 
He's  all  over — everywhere  ! 
In  all  nations  'tis  the  same, 
Santa  Claus  is  but  the  name 
For  the  Christmas  Spirit's  cheer 
Found  in  every  parent  dear;. 
Every  heart  and  every  breast, 
North  and  South  and  East  and  West. 
Call  it  any  name  you  will, 
'Tis  the  Christmas  Spirit  still. 

{Folk-Lore  goes  and  sits  by  the  others.) 


106     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Judge. 

Folk-Lore,  that's  good  news  you  tell. 
I  don't  know  you  very  well, 
But  I  think  I'll  study  you 
Almost  the  next  thing  I  do. 
Now  the  witnesses  are  heard  ; 
Prisoner,  speak  the  final  word. 
Are  you  guilty,  sir,  or  not  ? 
Tell  us  that — 'twill  help  a  lot ! 

Chorus  (vfir,  " Kathleen  Mavourneen  "). 
Jury. 
Santa  Claus,  Santa  Claus,  speak  for  yourself,  sir ! 
The  voice  of  Dame  Rumor  is  heard  in  the  land. 
They  say  you're  a  fraud,  and  they  say  you're  a 
falsehood. 
Oh,  Santa  Claus,  tell  them  they  don't  under- 
stand. 
Tell  them,  we  pray  you,  the  truth  of  the  matter, 
Oh,  tell  them  you're  real,  and  honest  and  true; 
Explain  to  them  fully  the  dear  Christmas  Spirit, 
And  then  they'll  believe  in  you,  Santa  Claus, 
too  ! 
Explain  to  them  fully  the  dear  Christmas  Spirit, 
And  then  they'll  believe   in  you,  Santa,  dear 
Santa ! 

Judge.     That's  the  ticket  !     Speak  up,  Santa  Claus. 
It's  your  turn  now.     Tell  us  the  straight  of  it. 

Sole  (Jir,  "My  Lady  Lou  "). 
Santa  Claus. 

In  spite  of  all  Dame  Rumor  would  accuse  me, 
I'm  Santa  Claus, 
I'm  Santa  Claus. 
In  spite  of  all  the  people  who  abuse  me, 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD   107 

I  tell  you  I  am  Santa  Claus. 
Although  they  say  I  am  a  false  pretender, 

I'm  Santa  Claus, 

I'm  Santa  Claus. 
And  I  avow  that  I  need  no  defender, 

For  I'm  truly  Santa  Claus. 
In  the  heart  of  girl  or  boy 
Who's  willing  to  distribute  Christmas  joy, 

There  I  will  always  dwell, 

And  this  the  truth  I  tell, 
That's  the  Christmas  Spirit — Santa  Claus  ! 
Santa  Claus,  the  name  we  give, 
To  all  the  loving  impulses  that  live 

In  every  kindly  heart 

That's  glad  to  do  its  part 
Toward  the  Spirit  of  the  Christmastime. 

Judge.  Hurray  for  you,  Santa  Claus  !  I  think  we 
may  now  hand  the  case  over  to  the  Jury.  Take  your 
time,  Jury,  and  pick  out  a  verdict,  although  you  haven't 
a  large  choice.  You  must  say  either  "  guilty"  or  "  not 
guilty,"  you  know. 

Chorus  (Jir,  "  Thou  Hast  Learned  to  Love  Another"}. 
Children. 

Don't  you  find  the  Prisoner  guilty  ! 

You'll  be  sorry  if  you  do  ! 
Who  would  fill  our  little  stockings 

If  you  prove  he  isn't  true? 
If  you  say  there  is  no  Santa 

All  our  little  hearts  will  break  ! 
We  won't  let  you  find  him  guilty, 

Santa  Claus  is  not  a  fake  ! 

(They  stamp  their  feet  and  shake  their  fists  at  the  Jury.) 


108     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Crier.     The  Jury   will    now   announce    the   verdict, 
Jury,  announce  ! 

Chorus  {Air,  "Marching  Through  Georgia  "). 
'Jury  {rising  to  their  feet). 

Hooray  !    Hooray  !    The  Prisoner  is  free  ! 

Hooray!    Hooray!    Our  verdict  this  shall  be; 

He  is  the  Christmas  Spirit — so  he's  not  a  fake, 
vou  see. 

This  is  our  verdict — Not  Guilty  ! 

{Chorus  as  above,  repeated  by  all  on  stage  \ 

Solo  {Air,  "Little  Old  Log  Cabin  in  the  Lane  "). 
Judge. 

At  last  I  understand  it — cX  last  it's  clear  to  me, 
And  I  think  I  should  have  known  it  from 
the  start ! 
No  pretender,  no  impostor,  no  fake  or  fraud 
is  he, 
He's  just  the  Christmas  Spirit  in  your  heart. 
And  you  may  call  him  Kriss  Kringle, 
You  may  call  him  Santa  Claus, 
Saint  Nicholas,  or  any  other  name. 
Or  your  father,  or  your  mother, 
Or  your  uncle,  or  your  aunt, 
But  he's  just  the  Christmas  Spirit,  all  the  same ! 

Chorus  {Air,  "Old  Dog  Tray  "). 
All  on  Stage. 

Santa  Claus,  the  Christmas  Spirit, 
Rumor  can't  drive  him  away. 
He's  loving  and  he's  kind, 
And  you'll  never,  never  find 
A  better  friend  on  Christmas  Day  ! 


IS  SANTA  CLAUS  A  FRAUD   109 

{Jll  gather  around  Santa  Claus,  the  Children  clamber  into 
his  arms,  and  the  older  ones  shake  hands  or  clap  him 
on  the  shoulder.') 

Final  Chorus  (Jiry  "  Tammany  "). 
All. 

Santa  Claus  !     Santa  Claus  ! 

That's  the  name  we  love  the  best, 

That's  what  makes  our  Christmas  blest ; 

Santa  Claus !    Santa  Claus  ! 

Chustmas  Spirit !    Christmas  Spirit ) 
San-.a  Claus ! ! 


CURTAIN 


A  Substitute  for  Santa  Claus 


A  Christmas  Play 


Copyright,  igo4,  by  Associated  Sunday  Magazines 


A  Substitute  for  Santa  Claus 


CHARACTERS 


•  Father  Time.  An  old  man  dressed  as  he  is  often  repre- 
sented in  pictures.      His  hour-glass  and  scythe  are  in  full  view. 

y  Santa  Claus.  A  jolly  old  man,  with  white  hair  and 
beard,  wearing  a  fur-trimmed  dressing-gown  and  picturesque, 
tasseled  nightcap. 

y  St.  Valentine.  An  old  man  dressed  in  flowing  white 
robes,  decorated  with  red-and-gold  hearts  and  darts.  He  car- 
ries a  bag  of  valentines  and  a  huge  quill-feather  pen. 

•Jack  Frost.  A  boy  attired  in  white,  glistening  with  dia- 
mond-dust or  tinsel,  and  sprinkled  with  bits  of  cotton-wool  which 
represent  snow. 

^Spring.  A  young  girl  dressed  in  pale  green,  with  waving 
golden  hair,  wreathed  with  flowers.      She  carries  a  garland  of 

blossoms. 

s  Fourth  of  July.  A  jolly  little  boy  dressed  in  red,  white 
and  blue,  and  carrying  a  drum,  trumpet  and  flag.  ( Or  this 
character  may  be  a  young  girl  dressed  as  the  "  Goddess  of 
Liberty .") 

<  New  Year.  A  small  child,  dressed  in  white,  with  the  fig- 
ures of  the  date  in  gold  conspicuously  displayed. 

s  April  Fool.  A  boy  or  young  man  wearing  the  garb  of  a 
court  jester  ;  doublet,  cap  and  bells,  etc.      He  carries  a  bauble. 


"3 


A  Substitute  for  Santa  Claus 


SCENE. — Father  Time's  office.  It  is  furnished  with  desks, 
tables,  globes,  astronomical  instruments,  etc.  On  the  wall 
are  maps  and  charts  of  earth  and  sky,  clocks,  barometers, 
calendars,  etc. 

Time — Christmas  Eve. 

Father  Time  ( yawning  as  he  awakes  from  a  nap). 
Well,  I  declare,  it's  growing  late  — 
It's  twenty  minutes  after  eight, 
And  Santa  Claus  is  not  here  yet ! 
I  wonder  if  he  could  forget 
That  he  must  go  to  earth  to-night. 
'Twould  leave  me  in  a  sorry  plight 
If  he  should  fail  the  girls  and  boys 
Whose  empty  stockings  wait  for  toys, 
(y/  knock  is  heard.) 

Ah,  there  he  is  !     Come  in,  I  pray ; 
Explain  the  cause  of  your  delay  ! 

(Enter  Santa  Claus,  pushed  by  an  attendant  in  a  wheeled 
chair.      His  foot  is  swathed  in  great  bandages.) 

Santa  Claus. 

Oh,  Father  Time,  alack,  alack  ! 

I  have  a  sudden,  bad  attack 

Of  gout.     And  I  can't  make  to  night 

My  trip  to  earth.     Oh,  what  a  plight  ! 

I'm  in  such  pain  !     Oh,  ouch  !     Oh,  ooh  ! 

What  shall  we  do  ?     What  shall  we  do  ? 

1*5 


n6     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Father  Time. 

Dear  Santa  Claus,  alas,  alas  ! 

I've  feared  that  this  might  come  to  pass; 

For  you  and  I  are  growing  old, 

And  cannot  stand  the  frost  and  cold  ; 

But  one  thing's  certain  :   I  must  send 

Somebody  in  your  place,  my  friend. 

Santa  Claus. 

Yes,  do  send  some  one,  saint  or  elf; 
But  stay — why  can't  you  go  yourself? 

Father  Time. 

Oh,  I  can't  go  !     This  is,  you  see, 
The  busiest  time  of  year  for  me. 
I  have  to  look  up  dates  and  days 
And  start  the  seasons  on  their  ways. 
But  minutes  fly  !     'Tis  almost  nine  — 
I'll  try  to  get  St.  Valentine. 
{Calls  on  telephone.} 

Hello,  St.  Valentine,  hello  ! 

I'm  Father  Time.    Say,  can't  you  go 

To  earth  to-night  ?     Stockings  to  fill 

In  place  of  Santa  Claus,  who's  ill 

With  an  acute  attack  of  gout ; 

And,  as  you  know,  you're  just  about 

His  size  and  shape  ;   so  none  will  know 

The  difference.     Oh,  please  do  go  ! 

What  ?    You'll  come  over  ?    All  right,  fly  ! 

Because  it's  getting  late.     Good-bye. 

{To  Santa  Claus.)  (HanSs  "*  receivtr) 

St.  Valentine  will  be  just  right 
To  play  your  part  on  earth  to-night. 
If  you'll  lend  him  your  cap  and  coat 
No  one  the  difference  will  note. 


A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  SANTA  CLAUS  117 

Santa  Claus. 

Of  course  they  won't !     They're  not  awake 

When  I  my  round  of  visits  make. 

And  not  a  person  ever  sees 

Me  decorate  the  Christmas  trees. 

{Knock  is  heard.) 

Father  Time. 

Come  in,  St.  Valentine;  we  need 
Your  services,  we  do,  indeed  ! 

{Enter  St.  Valentine.) 

St.  Valentine. 

Good-evening,  Father  Time.     I'm  here. 
You  called  me.    Santa  Claus,  what  cheer? 

Santa  Claus. 

Small  cheer  indeed  !     Small  cause  for  mirth. 
I  cannot  make  my  trip  to  earth ; 
I've  such  a  bad  attack  of  gout 
I  cannot  think  of  going  out. 

Father  Time. 

And  so,  if  you  will  have  the  grace 
To  go  in  Santa  Claus's  place  — 

St.  Valentine. 

Oh,  dear,  oh,  dear !   I'd  gladly  go ; 

But  really,  Father  Time,  you  know 

I  am  so  busy  writing  lines 

And  verses  for  my  valentines, 

And  it's  so  hard  to  make  them  rhyme, 

I  simply  cannot  take  the  time 

To  do  a  bit  of  outside  work 

Unless  my  own  I  seem  to  shirk. 


n8     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Father  Time. 

Yes,  yes,  St.  Valentine,  I  know 
You  are  too  busy  now  to  go. 

Santa  Claus. 

But  something  must  be  done  !     Oh,  dear! 

I  was  so  well  and  strong  last  year  ! 

'Twas  such  a  merry  Christmas  Eve  ! 

In  every  home  my  gifts  I'd  leave  — 

But  come,  come,  Time  ;  don't  sit  there  mute  ! 

We'll  have  to  find  a  substitute. 

Father  Time. 

Ah,  that's  more  easily  said  than  done. 
I  cannot  think  of  any  one. 

{The  door  bursts  open  and  "Jack  Frost  comes  running  in.) 

Jack  Frost. 

Heyday  !    What  ho  !    My  friends,  good  cheer ! 
You  seem  to  be  in  trouble  here. 

Father  Time. 
We  are. 

"Jack  Frost. 

Well,  can't  I  help  you  out  ? 
What  ails  you,  Santa  Claus  ? 

Santa  Claus. 
The  gout. 
And  I  can't  go  to  earth  to-night. 

Jack  Frost. 

I'll  go  for  you. 

Father  Time. 

Nay,  gentle  sprite. 

You're  willing,  I've  no  doubt;  but  still 

I  do  not  think  you'd  fill  the  bill. 


A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  SANTA  CLAUS  119 

'Jack  Frost. 

Oh,  yes,  I  can  !     Pray  let  me  go. 
This  pure-white  rohe  of  frost  and  snow 
Will  look  like  Santa's  furry  coat  — 
I'm  sure  the  difference  none  will  note. 
And  while  the  children  are  asleep 
Down  chimneys  I  will  softly  creep. 

Santa  Claus. 

Perhaps  it  might  do. 

Father  Time. 
No-sir-ee  ! 

It  wouldn't  do  at  all !     You  see 
If  down  a  chimney  Jack  should  climb 
He'd  melt  away  in  just  no  time. 

St.  Valentine. 

If  through  a  window  he  made  way 
The  room  he'd  chill,  till,  I  daresay, 
The  little  ones  with  cold  would  shake, 
And  very  likely  they  would  wake. 

Jack  Frost. 

But,  Time,  I  want  to  go  so  much  ! 

Father  Time. 

I  know  it.     But  your  frosty  touch 
Would  spoil  the  gifts.     The  fruits  so  nice 
Would  turn  to  little  lumps  of  ice. 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  Father  Time,  it  seems  to  me 
That  Spring  a  substitute  might  be. 
She's  young  and  clever,  and  I  think 
The  little  ones  she  might  hoodwink. 


120     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

If  they  should  waken  from  a  nap, 
And  see  her  in  my  coat  and  cap 
They'd  think,  of  course,  that  it  was  I. 

St.  Valentine. 

At  any  rate,  I'd  let  her  try. 

Father  Time  {calling). 

What,  ho,  without !     Come,  Spring,  I  say  ! 
We  want  you.      Quickly  come,  I  pray. 

{Enter  Spring.) 

Spring  (petulantly). 

Oh,  leather  Time,  why  did  you  call  ? 

You  spoiled  a  lovely  game  of  ball  ! 

I  made  a  cowslip  ball,  you  see. 

The  May  Queen  brought  the  flowers  to  me, 

And  we  were  just  about  to  play. 

Why  did  you  call  me,  anyway  ? 

Father  Time. 

Tut,  tut,  my  child  !     Don't  be  so  cross. 
I'm  sure  you'll  not  regret  your  loss 
When  you  hear  what  we've  planned  for  you. 
You're  to  be  Santa  Claus. 

Spring. 

Pooh-pooh  ! 

I  couldn't  think  of  doing  that  ! 

I  am  not  old,  white-haired  or  fat. 

St.  Valentine. 

But  you  can  wear  his  cap  and  wig. 

Santa  Claus. 

And  make  yourself  100k  old  and  big. 


A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  SANTA  CLAUS  121 

'Jack  Frost. 

Oh,  Spring,  it  will  be  lots  of  fun. 
I  wish  I  could  have  been  the  one  ! 

Spring. 

I  wish  you  could,  for  I  won't  go  ! 
I  love  old  Santa  Claus,  you  know. 

Santa  Claus. 

I'm  sure  you  do,  my  gentle  Spring. 

Spring. 

But  I  can't  do  that  sort  of  thing. 

{Fourth  of  July  comes  bounding  in  blowing  a  trumpet!) 

Fourth  of  July. 

Hooray,  hooray  J     I'll  go  !     Send  me  ! 
I'll  decorate  a  Christmas  tree  ! 
I'll  fill  the  stockings,  and  I'll  blow 
A  stirring  blast  where'er  I  go  ! 

{Blows  trumpet.) 
Father  Time. 

Be  quiet,  boy!     'Twould  never  do 
To  send  out  such  a  scamp  as  you. 

Fourth  of  July. 

Oh,  Father  Time,  the  girls  and  boys 
Will  like  my  racket  and  my  noise  — 
The  celebration  I  will  make. 

Santa  Claus. 

Fourth  of  July,  for  goodness  sake, 
Be  still  a  minute  !     Let  me  think. 

Fourth  of  July. 

Dear  Santa  Claus,  quick  as  a  wink 
I'll  fly  to  earth.     Please  let  me  go  — 
I'm  most  as  big  as  you,  you  know. 


122     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

(Fourth  of  "July  struts  proudly  about.      Enter  New-Tear. 
He  climbs  upon  Santa  Claus's  knee.) 

New-  Tear. 

P'ease,  Master  Santa,  I'm  your  man. 
I  want  to  help  you  if  I  tan. 
I  am  not  very  bid,  I  know ; 
But  if  you'll  let  me,  I  will  do. 

Santa  Claus. 

Why,  Baby,  you're  too  small,  I  fear. 
You  couldn't  drive  eight  big  reindeer  ! 

New-  Tear. 

Oh,  yes,  I  tould.    "  Do  long  !  "  I'd  say, 
An  nen  I  dess  dey'd  trot  away. 

Father  Time. 

I  guess  they  would.     But  Sir  New- Year, 
You've  got  to  go  next  week,  my  dear. 
Then  horns  will  blow  and  bells  will  ring; 
But  for  the  present  take  him,  Spring. 

(Spring  takes  little  New-Tear  in  her  arms.) 

Father  Time. 

I'm  at  my  wits'  end  !     Hear  me  now  — 
I'll  make,  and  I  will  keep  this  vow  : 
Whoever  next  here  shows  his  face 
Shall  go  in  Santa  Claus's  place  ! 
Whoever  next  comes  in  that  door 
Shall  go  at  once !     I'll  wait  no  more. 

Santa  Claus. 

And  I'll  stand  by  you.     Though  it  be 
One  who  ne'er  saw  a  Christmas  tree. 

(Jingling  bells  are  heard,  and  April  Fool  comes  dancing  in.) 


A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  SANTA  CLAUS   123 

April  Fool. 

Heyday  !      Good  luck,  my  masters  all  ! 
I've  come  to  make  a  social  call. 

Father  Time. 

Have  you  indeed  ?     Well,  you'll  soon  find 
That  you  will  have  to  change  your  mind. 

April  Fool. 

I  don't  mind  that.     My  mind's  so  poor 
I'd  change  with  any  one,  I'm  sure. 

Santa  Claus. 

Now,  do  be  serious,  Fool,  dear. 
I  can't  go  on  my  trip  this  year. 

Father  Time. 

His  foot's  so  swelled,  he  cannot  budge. 

April  Fool. 

Foot  ?     It's  an  acher,  I  should  judge  i 

St.  Valentine. 

Be  quiet,  Fool  !     So  you  must  go 
To  earth  to-night. 

April  Fool. 

Oh-ho  !     Oh-ho  ! 

I'll  go.     I'm  glad  to  get  the  chance. 

I'll  lead  those  little  ones  a  dance  ! 

Santa  Claus. 

No,  April  Fool,  you  must  be  good, 
And  do  exactly  as  you  should. 
You'll  wear  my  funy  cap  and  cloak, 
A  long  white  beard  — 

April  Fool.     Oh,  what  a  joke  ! 


124     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Father  Time. 

No,  Fool,  it  is  no  joke  at  all. 

At  every  house  you'll  have  to  call, 

Fill  up  the  stockings,  trim  the  trees. 

Santa  Glaus. 

And  do  it  properly,  Fool,  please ! 

April  Fool. 

My  nature  is  a  foolish  one  — 

I  have  to  have  my  jokes  and  fun. 

Father  Time. 

Come,  come,  get  ready,  April  Fool  ! 
It's  no  joke  to  be  Lord  of  Yule. 

{Father  Time  and  St.  Valentine  bring  Santa  Claus's 
furred  coat  and  cap  and  put  them  on  April  Fool: 
also  a  long  white  beard,  false  face  and  other  disguises.} 

April  Fool  {aside  to  Spring). 

Oh,  Spring,  what  lots  of  fun  'twill  be 
To  have  a  Christmas  ruled  by  me  ' 
I'll  mix  up  all  the  children's  toys; 
Give  drums  to  girls,  and  dolls  to  boys; 
I'll  give  the  young  men  parasols; 
And  to  the  old  men  black-lace  shawls; 
The  ladies  shall  have  jumping-jacks; 
And  babies  packs  of  carpet-tacks  ; 
And  every  candy,  fruit  or  sweet 
Shall  be  the  kind  they  cannot  eat — 
A  sugary  outside,  all  filled  full 
Of  pepper,  wood,  or  cotton-wool  ! 
He-he  !     Ho-ho  !     What  fun  'twill  be! 
They'll  think  I'm  Santa  Claus,  you  see. 

Spring. 

Oh,  April  Fool,  I  think  that's  mean  ! 


A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  SANTA  CLAUS    125 

April  Fool. 

But  you  don't  know,  Spring;  you're  so  green. 

Spring. 

Maybe  I  am.     But  those  bad  pranks 
Would  get  from  Santa  Claus  no  thanks. 

April  Fool. 

Oh,  I  think  Santa  understands  ; 
He's  put  the  matter  in  my  hands  — 
And  so,  of  course,  he'll  have  to  take 
The  sort  of  Christmas  that  I  make. 

(Meantime  Santa  Claus  has  risen  from  bis  chair  and  is  bus- 
tling about.     He  takes  the  coat  and  cap  from  April  Fool.) 

Santa  Claus. 

No  use.     No  use  !     I  can't  stay  here. 
I  must  dispense  that  Christmas  cheer. 
I  must  attend  to  it  myself; 
I  can't  be  laid  upon  the  shelf. 
My  foot  is  better,  and  I  know 
'Twill  soon  be  well.     I've  got  to  go  ! 

Father  Time. 

Good  for  you,  Santa  !     Go,  my  friend. 
I  really  couldn't  bear  to  send 
Another  in  your  place. 

St.  Falentine.      Nor  I  ! 

Spring.     I'll  help  you,  Santa  Claus. 

fack  Frost. 

Now  fly! 

It's  getting  late.  [Exit  Santa  Claus. 

April  Fool  (appearing  rather  crestfallen). 
I  want  to  go  ! 


126     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

"Jack  Frost. 

I  too,  but  then  we  can't,  you  know. 

April  Fool. 

Perhaps  they  thought  I'd  play  some  jokes 
Upon  the  Merry  Christmas  folks. 

Jack  Frost. 

They  thought  I  was  too  young  and  cold ; 
Perhaps  I'll  go  when  I  get  old. 

Jack  Frost  and  April  Fool  {together). 

Let's  try  to  be  real  nice  and  good, 
And  do  exactly  as  we  should. 
And  then  we  may  grow  up  to  be 
Two  Santa  Clauses — you  and  me  ! 


CLRTAIN 


The  Day  Before  Christmas 


A  Christmas  Play 


Copyright,  igoj,  by  The  Curtis  Publishing  Co. 


The  Day  Before  Christmas 


CHARACTERS 

Spirit  of  Christmas.  Lovely  girl,  with  long,  light  hair. 
White  robe,  crown  of  stars,  and  wings  if  possible.  She  should 
carry  a  gilt  pasteboard  harp,  or  a  long,  slender  trumpet. 

Hygeia.  Garb  of  a  trained  nurse.  She  carries  bottles  of 
physic,  a  hot-water  bag,  spoon  and  glass,  etc. 

Aurora  Borealis.  Robe  of  rainbow  colors,  decked  with 
gilt  stars.  Crescent  moon  in  her  hair.  She  carrier  a  chart  or 
map  of  the  polar  regions. 

Diana.  Short  kilt  costume  of  hunter's  green,  with  deerskin 
draped  over  one  shoulder.      She  carries  bow  and  arrow. 

Flora,  Goddess  of  Botany.  White  robe,  trimmed  with  gar- 
lands of  flowers. 

Miss  Smith.  Teacher.      Ordinary  dress. 

Man  in  Moon.  Grotesque  costume  of  white,  with  a  mask 
made  like  a  full  moon. 

Jack  of  All  Trades.  Dress  like  a  carpenter's,  with  apron 
and  paper  cap.  He  carries  tools  or  implements  of  any  sort,  also 
a  snow-shovel. 

Jack  Frost.  A  chubby,  red-cheeked  boy,  dressed  in  white 
and  white  fur,  with  frost  represented  by  silver  powder  or  tinsel 
and  tufts  of  cotton  wool  to  look  like  snow. 

Lord  of  Misrule.  Dress  like  a  Court  Jester.  He  car- 
ries a  jester's  bauble,  or  any  tinkling  toys.  He  must  frolic  and 
romp  about  continually. 

129 


i3o  CHARACTERS 

Euclid.      College    gown    and    mortar-board.      He     carries 
geometrical  instruments  and  wears  spectacles. 

Father  Time.      Classic  robe.      Long  white  beard  and  fore- 
lock.     Scythe  and  hour-glass. 

Santa  Claus.      Furred  robe,  peaked  cap. 

Tommy,  Susie,  Jennie,  Willie  and  others,  pupils.      Ordi- 
nary school  dress. 


The  Day  Before  Christmas 


SCENE. — A  schoolroom.     Class  in  geography. 

Miss  Smith. 

Children,  behave  !     You  must  be  quiet  ! 
You  know  that  if  you  break  the  rule, 
And  keep  up  such  a  noise  and  riot, 
I  shall  detain  you  after  school. 

Tommy. 

Yes,  but,  Miss  Smith,  to-morrow's  Christmas  ! 
We're  going  to  have  plum  pudding — and 

Miss  Smith. 

That  will  do,  Tommy  !    What's  an  isthmus  ? 

Tommy.     A  narrow  neck  of  waterland. 

Miss  Smith. 

Wrong ;    go   down    foot !     Next   child    may 
answer. 

Willie  (raising  his  band}. 

Please,  teacher,  may  I  get  a  drink  ? 

Miss  Smith. 

No!     Do  your  problems  if  you  can,  sir. 

Susie  (raising  her  hand). 

Miss  Smith,  Tom's  gone  and  took  my  ink  ! 

Miss  Smith. 

Children,  you  should  be  sweet  and  loving, 
And  treat  each  other  courteously. 

131 


i32     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

'Jennie. 

Teacher,  can't  Willie  Green  stop  shoving  ? 
He's  torn  my  apron  !     Only  see  ! 

Miss  Smith  (exasperated}. 

I'll  punish  every  single  scholar  ! 

Oh,  dear,  why  do  you  act  this  way  ? 

Tommy. 

Honest,  Miss  Smith,  I've  got  to  holler, 
Because  to-morrow's  Christmas  Day  ! 

All  the  Pupils  (jumping  around  and  pounding  on  their 
desks). 

Hooray,  Hooray, 

For  Christmas  Day. 

Of  course  we  have  to  act  this  way. 

(In   the   midst  of  the  general  pandemonium   enter  Santa 
Claus.) 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  well,  what's  all  this  noise  and  rout  ? 
What's  all  this  hue  and  cry  about  ? 
I've  just  stopped  in  to  make  a  call ; 
A  Merry  Christmas  to  you  all ! 

Chorus  of  Children  (Jir,  "Maryland,  My  Maryland"). 
This  is  the  man  of  whom  we've  heard, 

Santa  Claus,  our  Santa  Claus ; 
His  name  our  dearest  household  word, 

Santa  Claus,  our  Santa  Claus. 
Behold  his  cap  and  coat  befurred, 
Which  he  about  him  close  did  gird, 
As  swift  his  reindeer  on  he  spurred, 

Santa  Claus,  our  Santa  Claus. 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS    133 

We  welcome  vou  with  joy  sincere, 

Santa  Claus,  our  Santa  Claus  ; 
We're  very  glad  to  see  you  here, 

Santa  Claus,  our  Santa  Claus. 
Because  we  know,  when  you  appear 
At  this  best  time  of  all  the  year, 
You  bring  all  sorts  of  Christmas  cheer, 
Santa  Claus,  our  Santa  Claus. 

Santa  Claus. 

My  children,  dear, 

I  thank  you  for  your  welcome  hearty ; 
What  have  we  here  ? 

Is  this,  forsooth,  a  Christmas  party  ? 

Tommy. 

No,  Santa  Claus,  alas,  alas, 
'Tis  but  our  daily  lesson  class. 

Santa  Claus  {looking  around). 

Oh,  ho,  I  see,  it  ;s  a  school  — 
Well,  you've  no  wish  to  be  a  fool  ? 

Susie. 

No,  no;   not  that ;   but  just  to-day, 
Instead  of  tasks  we'd  rather  play. 

Miss  Smith. 

But,  Santa  Claus,  of  course — you  see  — ~ 

Santa  Claus. 

Of  course  I  do — leave  all  to  me, 
My  dear  Miss  Smith.     I  think  it  best 
That  you  should  just  go  home  and  rest. 
Pray  take  your  bonnet  from  the  shelf, 
To-day  I'll  teach  this  school  myself! 

Pupils.     Good-bye,  Miss  Smith  ! 
Miss  Smith.     Good-bye  ! 


134     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Santa  Claus. 
Good-bye 


To  your  seats,  children  ;  come,  be  spry  ! 
What  lesson's  next?      H'm,  let  me  see — 


Tommy.      Please,  sir,  the  class  in  botany. 

Santa  Claus. 

Botany,  eh  ?     Well,  I'll  admit 

I  can't  teach  botany  a  bit. 

But  I'll  call  some  one  to  my  aid  ; 

Ho  !   Goddess  Flora  !    Lovely  maid  ! 

{Enter  Flora.) 

Flora.     You  called  me.     Ami  wanted  here  ? 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  yes,  I  think  you  are,  my  dear. 

Botany  I  don't  understand, 

And  if  you'd  kindly  lend  a  hand 

Flora. 

And  teach  it  for  you  ?     Yes,  indeed  ! 
Attention,  children  !   pay  good  heed; 
You'll  find  it  no  unpleasant  task 
To  answer  questions  that  /  ask. 
What  are  our  most  important  trees? 

Tommy.  Elm. 
Susie.  Maple. 
"Jennie.      Walnut. 

Flora. 

None  of  these  ; 

Santa  Claus,  you  may  answer,  sir. 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  I  say  hemlock,  spruce  and  fir. 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS    135 

Flora. 

That's  right,  for  hemlock,  fir  and  spruce 
As  Christmas  trees  are  put  to  use. 
Now,  children,  at  this  season  merry, 
What  is  the  most  important  berry  ? 

Tommy.     The  holly,  I  am  sure  ! 

Susie  {coyly).  No,  no, 

/think  it  is  the  mistletoe. 

Flora. 

Both  are  correct.     On  Christmas  night 
We  want  the  holly  and  mistletoe  white. 
Now  sing  together,  each  lad  and  lass, 
What  you  have  learned  in  the  botany  class. 

Chorus  {Air,  '-''Battle-Cry  of  Freedom  "). 
Of  all  the  trees  that  grow,  boys,  for  ornament  or 

use, 
The  best  are  those  that  we  can  use  for  Christmas ; 
And  these,  as  we  have  learned,  are  the  hemlock, 

fir  and  spruce, 
Because  they  make  Christmas  trees  for  Christmas. 
Hurrah,  then,  for  Christmas, 
Hurrah,  boys,  hurrah  ! 
Up  with  the  Christmas  tree  and  up  with  the  star. 
And  we'll  rally  round  the  tree,  boys, 
Rally  once  again, 
Shouting,  Hurrah,  Hurrah,  for  Christmas  ! 

Santa  Clans. 

Well,  well  !  that's  fine  !     It  does  my  old  heart 
good 
To  hear  you  sing  that  song 
With  voices  loud  and  strong. 
Flora,  we  thank  you.    Now,  my  dears,  let's  see 
What  the  next  lesson  on  the  list  may  be. 


136     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Tommy.     The  next  is  history. 

Susie.  And  how  I  hate 

To  learn  about  a  battle  and  its  date  ! 

'Jennie. 

I  think  so,  too.     History  is  a  bore. 

Tommy. 

Who  cares  what  happened  in  the  days  of  yore? 

Santa  Claus. 

Wait,  see  who  teaches  you  this  afternoon, 
And  then  perhaps  you'll  sing  a  different  tune. 
Appear,  oh,  wondrous  man;  appear,  I  say  ! 
Maker  of  history  from  its  earliest  day, 
Maker  of  days  and  years;   Old  Father  Time, 
Appear!    while   Christmas    bells   in   gladness 
chime. 

(Peal  of  bells,  and  enter  Father  Time.) 

Father  Time.      Solo  (Air,  "Nelly  Bly  "). 
Ho,  little  ones,  ho,  little  ones, 

Be  merry,  glad  and  gay, 
For  Father  Time  is  bringing  you 

Another  Christmas  Day. 

Chorus.    Oh,  Father  Time,  oh,  Father  Time, 
We're  merry,  glad  and  gay, 
Because  you  now  are  bringing  us 
Another  Christmas  Day. 

Santa  Claus. 

But,  Father  Time,  songs  will  not  do, 
A  history  lesson  we  ask  from  you. 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS    137 

Father  Time. 

Oh,  history  only  dullness  brings, 

And  dates  are  very  stupid  things  ; 

The  day  before  Christmas  who  would  care 

What  battle  was  fought,  or  when,  or  where  ? 

Tommy.      Not  I  ! 
Susie.     Nor  I  ! 

Father  Time. 

Ha,  I  spoke  true  ; 

Then  here's  all  the  lesson  I'll  teach  to  you. 
I'll  give  you  just  one  date  to  remember, 
And  that's — the  twenty-fifth  of  December  ! 

Pupils. 

Hurrah,  hurrah,  we'll  only  remember 
To-morrow's  the  twenty-fifth  of  December. 

Santa  Claus.     What  class  is  next  ? 
Tommy.     Geography. 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  just  one  region  interests  me, 
And  that's  my  home.     Do  you  know  where  I 
live  ? 

Pupils.     The  North  Pole  ! 

Santa  Claus. 
I  declare 

The  youngsters  do  know.     Well,  I'll  call 
Some  one  to  tell  you  of  it  all. 
Hither,  Aurora  Borealis, 
And  tell  these  children  of  my  palace. 

{Enter  Aurora  Borealis?) 


138     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Aurora  Borealis.     Solo  (Air,  '•'•Believe  Me,  if  All  Those 
Endearing  Young  Charms  "). 

Believe  me,  my  children,  the  world  cannot  show 

A  more  wonderful,  beautiful  sight 
Than  Santa  Claus's  palace  of  ice  and  of  snow, 

With  frost-crystals  sparkling  and  bright. 
It   is   at   the   North   Pole,  where  the  icebergs 
abound, 
And  where  Polar  bears  merrily  roam  ; 
Where  contentment  and  happiness  always  are 
found, 
For  Santa  Claus  loves  his  old  home. 
To   reach   the   North    Pole  you  must  bravely 
set  forth 
In  a  staunch  and  a  seaworthy  yacht, 
And  sail  up  to  latitude  ninety,  due  north, 

And  then  you'll  be  right  at  the  spot. 
The  palace  you'll  know  as  soon  as  you  see 

Its  beautiful  ice-covered  dome  ; 
Then  walk  boldly  in,  for  you'll  certainly  be 
Right  welcome  to  Santa  Claus's  home. 

Santa  Claus. 

Aurora  Borealis,  you  are  right; 

I    thank  you  for  your  song,  my  Northern 

Light. 
The  hours  fly  fast,  it  seems  to  me. 
Next  lesson,  class  ? 

Pupils.      Astronomy. 

Santa  Claus. 

Astronomy  ?     Well,  this  afternoon 
That  shall  be  taught  by  "The  Man  in  the 
Moon." 

(Enter  The  Man  in  the  Moon.) 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS    139 

The  Man  in  the  Moon.     Solo  {Air,  "  Tenting  To-night 
on  the  Old  Camp  Ground  "). 

Oh,  I  am  the  Man  in  the  Moon,  my  dears  j 

I'll  tell  you  of  a  star 
That  has  shone  through  nineteen  hundred 
years, 

From  Eastern  skies  afar. 
It's  shining  to-day  for  each  of  you, 
Telling  of  the  Savior's  birth  ; 
Telling  this  message,  sweet  and  true, 
Peace  and  good  will  to  earth. 

Chorus.  Peace  and  good  will, 

Peace  and  good  will, 
Peace  and  good  will  to  earth.    {Repeat  pp.) 

Santa  Claus. 

Natural  history  next  ?    Let's  see  — 
Who  could  the  teacher  of  that  class  be  ? 
Oh,  yes ;   Diana,  tall  and  straight, 
Will  teach  that  class  right  up  to  date. 
What,  ho!   Diana! 

{Enter  Diana.) 
Diana. 

Here  I  come  ! 

Leave  it  to  me;  I'll  make  things  hum. 

The  natural  history  class.     Just  so. 

Now  I'll  find  out,  my  children  small, 

If  you  know  anything  at  all. 

What  birds  are  of  the  greatest  use  ? 

Tommy.  The  turkey  ! 
Susie.  And  the  duck  ! 
Willie.     And  goose  ! 


140     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  I  declare  !    You  children  know 
Enough  of  natural  history.     So 
I'll  give  you  now  a  harder  task; 
Euclid,  perplexing  questions  ask. 

{Enter  Euclid.) 
Euclid. 

Oh,  children,  don't  be  scared  at  me; 
I'll  show  you  that  geometry 
Is  just  as  easy  as  can  be. 
One  problem  only  I'll  show  you, 
It's  such  a  simple  one  to  do; 
You'll  see  that  what  I  say  is  true. 
(Draws  on  blackboard.) 

Now,  here's  a  circle  ;  it's  a  pie. 
The  problem  is,  can  you  or  I 
Inscribe  triangles  in  it  ?     Try  ! 

Tommy.     I  do  not  know — perhaps  I  can 


Euclid.     Come  up  and  try,  my  little  man. 

{Tommy  goes   to  blackboard  and  draws  six  triangles  in  the 
circle,  making  it  like  a  pie  cut  into  six  pieces.) 

Euclid. 

Well  done,  my  boy,  go  to  your  seat, 
Your  demonstration  is  complete. 
Of  Christmas  pies,  or  even  tarts, 
Triangles  are  component  parts. 

Santa  Claus. 

Natural  science  next.     Ho  !  ho  ! 

Jack  Frost !   pray  tell  us  what  you  know. 

{Enter  Jack  Frost,  blowing  his  fingers.) 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS    141 

'Jack  Frost.      What  I  know 

Soon  may  be  told ; 
Ice  and  snow 

Make  people  cold  ! 
Santa  Claus. 

My  dear  Jack  Frost,  you  quite  astound 
Us  with  your  knowledge  so  profound. 
Now,  for  our  physiology, 
Hygeia  shall  the  teacher  be. 

(Enter  Hygeia.) 

Hygeia.      Solo  {Air,  "Ob  Promise  Me  "). 

Oh,  promise  me,  my  dears,  that  you  will  try 
Not  to  indulge  in  too  much  Christmas  pie  ; 
And  promise,  too — I  ask  it  for  your  sakes  — 
Not  to  devour  too  many  Christmas  cakes  ; 
For  these,  with  raisins,  figs  and  nuts  combined, 
Are  very  apt  to  make  you  ill,  you'll  find; 
And  so  I  beg  that  you  will  careful  be  — 
Oh,  promise  me — oh,  promise  me. 

Santa  Claus. 

Goddess  of  Health,  we  thank  you  ;  children, 

pray 
Remember  what  you've  heard  Hygeia  say. 

Tommy.     We  will ;  but,  Santa  Claus,  I  do  love  pie ! 
Susie.      And  nuts  ! 
Willie.     And  figs  ! 
Jennie.      And  raisins  ! 
Tommy.      So  do  I  ! 

Santa  Claus. 

Now,  let  me  see:  school-time  is  nearly  past; 
But  there's  one  thing  I've  left  until  the  last; 


t42     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

I  don't  suppose  you  know,  dear  little  hearts, 
Anything  of  what's  called  "industrial  arts"? 

Pupils.     We  don't,  indeed  ! 

Santa  Claus. 

Well,  I'll  make  good  that  lack 

In  just  a  moment.    Hey  !  come  hither,  Jack  ! 

{Enter  Jack  of  All  Trades.) 

Jack  of  All  Trades.     You  called  me,  Santa? 

Santa  Claus. 

Yes,  I  did,  my  boy  ; 

These  children,  I  am  sure,  would  well  enjoy 
Hearing  you  tell  them,  now,  before  they  leave, 
How  to  hang  stockings  up  on  Christmas  Eve. 

Jack  of  All  Trades. 

Well,  first  of  all,  the  stocking,  children,  mind, 
Must  be  the  very  largest  you  can  find. 
If  yours  are  small  just  try  to  borrow  one 
From  Auntie  or  from  Grandmamma.    This 

done, 
Fasten  it  firmly  with  a  bit  of  string 
Where  Santa  Claus  will  see  it  the  first  thing! 
For  when  he  enters  in  a  darkened  room 
It's  hard  to  find  a  stocking  in  the  gloom. 
So  fasten  it  up  strong  and  firm  and  tight, 
And  where  he'll  find  it  easily  to-night. 

Santa  Claus. 

That's  good  advice,  for  oft  I've  looked  around 
An  hour,  before  the  stockings  I  have  found. 
Now,  children,  it  is  growing  late,  you  know: 
I  must  dismiss  you.     Do  you  want  to  go  ? 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS     143 

Tommy.     No,  please,  sir. 

Susie.     Won't  you  teach  us  something  more  ? 

"Jennie.     Mother  said  I  need  not  get  home  till  four. 

Santa  Claus. 

Then  one  more  gentle,  loving  friend  I'll  call 
To  teach  a  Christmas  lesson  to  you  all. 
Spirit  of  Christmas,  come  !     These  children 

tell 
How  to  keep  Christmas  happily  and  well. 

{Enter  Spirit  of  Christmas.) 

Spirit  of  Christmas.     Solo  {Air,  "  Star-Spangled  Ban- 
ner "). 

Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  by  the  dawn's  early  light, 
The  Spirit  of  Christmas  exultingly  glowing  ? 
Sad  cares  disappear  like  the  mists  of  the  night, 
And  a  glad,  shining  face  everybody  is  showing. 

Chorus. 

And  the  Christmas  bells  ring, 

And  the  carols  we  sing, 

And  gifts  to  each  other  the  loving  ones  bring. 

Oh,  the  spirit  of  Christmas  shall  linger  and  stay 

In  the  hearts  of  the  children  forever  and  aye. 
r.     t     a  {-All  repeat  chorus.) 

Now,  children,  dear,  no  more  time  can  I  waste, 
For  I  have  much  to  do.     I  must  make  haste. 

{Enter  boisterously  the  Lord  of  Misrule.) 

Lord  of  Misrule. 

Nay,  nay,  I  pray  ye,  stay  a  moment  yet — 
For  of  the  Christmas  season  I'm  the  pet. 


i44     JOLLY  PLAYS  FOR  HOLIDAYS 

And  what  would  Christmas  be  without  the  one 
Who  leads  the  merriment  and  rules  the  fun  ? 

Santa  Claus  {trying  to  put  him  out). 

Yes,  yes,  I  know — but  in  a  school 

There's  surely  no  place  for  the  Lord  of  Misrule. 

Lord  of  Misrule. 

No  place,  indeed  ?     I'll  make  a  place ! 
Behold  each  merry,  laughing  face  ! 
Say,  children,  shall  I  stay  or  go  ? 
Come,  answer  yes,  or  answer  no. 

Pupils.     Yes,  yes  !  do  stay  ! 

Tommy. 

Or,  better  still, 

Come  play  with  us  on  yonder  hill. 

Susie.     We'll  coast ! 

Willie.     And  slide  ! 

Tommy.     And  snowball,  too. 

Jennie.     I'm  sure  it  would  be  fun  to  you. 

Lord  of  Misrule. 

I'm  sure  it  would  !     Come  on,  my  dears, 
Jack  Frost  and  I  will  tweak  your  ears ; 
We'll  send  you  spinning  down  the  hill 
And  draw  you  up  again,  until 
You're  tired  of  that ;  then,  if  you  please, 
Jack  of  All  Trades  can  build  with  ease 
A  monstrous  snow-man,  ten  feet  high. 

Tommy.      Oh,  I'd  like  that  ! 
Willie.     And  I  ! 
Susie.     And  I  ! 


THE  DAY  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS    145 

Santa  Clam. 

Then,  children,  run  along  and  play  ; 

Lessons  are  over  for  to-day. 

But  ere  you  vanish  from  my  sight 


All.   Merry  Christmas  to  all,  and  to  all  a  good- 
night ! 


CURTAIN' 


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NOV  1  51951 

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DEC  13 1311 


5 1984 


UCLA-Young  Research   Library 

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Los  Angeles 
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